Integrated Media Training in Tsunami Affected Area

Karaikal Nov 10-12, 2005

Introduction
Three training programmes were conducted under the Plan Partnership Project under BCO Framework. The idea is to promote use of various media in the communities so that they could use these media to voice their concerns and share their knowledge. Convergence of all efforts shall establish the knowledge centres in every community so that there is a horizontal and vertical flow of the knowledge from and within communities.


Training at Karaikal
The training was organised at Sumangali Kalyanam Mandabam (Community Marriage Hall) in Sirkali on Nov 7-9, 2005 and was attended by participants from Karaikal district. A total of 120 participants from the age group of 10-18 years participated in these trainings. Participants were selected for five different media training based on their aptitude and interest. Five different groups of the children and youth, 20-25 members strong group, joined media training on Computer and Internet, Radio, Print, Comics, Photography and Villupattu (Traditional media of Tamilnadu).

Training on Computers / Internet
Participants were a mixed group of children and youth, some had some exposure to work on computers were as some had never ever touched any computers. Those who had used computers before had computers at school that they are attending. Participants are first familiarised with the computer hardware and assembling and various software used. This is useful for the participants as this inputs put them at ease with the machine and also they are able to understand the various connections within a system. Practical training on Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point gives starting skills for the participants. They were also trained on typing in Tamil language using Windows XP language option and using on screen keyboard facility in want of suitable Tamil language keyboard.

After practicing Microsoft office package and getting familiar with file and folder arrangements they enter in the world of Internet. After giving simple inputs on Internet Browser and Search Engine they start using internet for searching for various documents and images.

On third day participants are introduced to web based communications. First they learn using emails and then managing community websites. The entire concept of knowledge centres and the roles that the knowledge workers could play is explained. Participants had hands on experience on using Open eNRICH.

Training on Radio
Participants were introduced to the concept of Radio as a communication tool. They learnt voice modulation techniques and various formats used for the radio programme production. Participants worked on scripts and performed the recording. Later they went to the studio to record their voices. A radio programme in magazine format was produced at the end of the programme.


Training on Social Photography
Session on development of photography gave an idea of development of imaging from pin hole camera to various camera used today for various purposes. The concept of frame and light helps learners to keep focus on the issues covered by a social photographer. On their field visit to a near by sea coast areas they captured various issues of social significance. They also discussed how photography could be discussed to highlight social problems.

Training on Comics on social issues
Children were learning how to draw comic strips and how comics could be used for advocacy purposes and for awareness generation.

Training on Villupattu
Villupattu is popular folk medium in Tamilnadu. This is medium where the narrator of the story used an bow (Villu – Bow in Tamil) like instrument to produce music while he / she is singing the poem lets.

Salient Outcomes of the training

• Radio coverage by Radio Karaikal

• Live reporting to the I & B Minister in New Delhi on the occasion of Public Service Broadcasting Day.