Youth enchanted by the magic of TV

Pablo's face lights up when he begins to talk about his passion to become a television producer.  His dream was born out of his involvement since age 15 in the ChildMedia Project in Nicaragua.  He is part of a group of 15 promoters who are currently training a total of 120 children between eight and 16 years old in television techniques. "When I work making videos or documentaries the adrenaline flows through the air", said Pablo.  "Teamwork motivates me a lot and I feel proud that we’re giving the children of my community a voice". 

Their greatest victory is producing the program Chavaladas TV* which is broadcast on local channels thanks to their owners’ support. Yexi is another young person involved in this project. She describes it as an "informative and participatory cultural space for opinions that promotes and defends the rights of children and adolescents".

The program is half an hour long and broadcasted every Saturday on two channels.  On an improvised set that they designed themselves in Plan offices, they express their creativity and seek to make a program that attracts young viewers.

They take up issues of interest such as the dangers of drug addiction, sexual and reproductive health and the children’s rights. "The most important aspect of this program is that it gives a voice to children and adolescents by asking their opinions on such elemental issues as the situation of their city’s streets", expressed Tania Navas. She is a facilitator who works directly with these young people who, judging by the passion of their commitment, one day, will realize their dream of being renowned television producers.

* Chavalada: Nicaraguan idiomatic expression which means something done by children.