Regional Programs: Training

Child Rights . Public Health (in particular HIV/AIDS) . Environment . Gender and Social Justice . Archive Regional Training Courses

24. Costa Rica, May 1996

Theme(s) Environment and sustainable development in Central America: Mi Tierra
Length 2 weeks

Target Group
13 representatives from radio stations and environment and community organizations from the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America, complementing the first group (see Course No. 23).

Objectives
To promote the exchange of experiences and information relating to environment and development in communities.

To provide theoretical and practical training on radio production, in particular regarding the theme.

To analyze the results of the first "Mi Tierra" workshop, including the "Mi Tierra" methodologies, focus, characteristics, style and audience.

To design, produce and evaluate additional formats for "Mi Tierra".

To expand the "Mi Tierra" team.

Context
This workshop is the second in a series of workshops organized by Panos, RNTC and IICA, organized within the framework of the "Mi Tierra" project.

Some funding came from GWZ for participants from Guatemala.

Participants
13 participants: Costa Rica (2), El Salvador (1), Guatemala (5), Honduras (2), Nicaragua (1) & Panama (2). Female/ Male Ratio: 3/10.

Working Methodology and Activities
The workshop methodology was basically similar to the one of the first "Mi Tierra" course. This time, there were 7 sessions.

During the first day, concepts relating to community, environment, health, gender and communication were explored. Subsequently, spread out over three days, the applied radio production training was given, intermingled with various presentations by external institutions and country presentations by the participants. The development and functioning of networks of journalists at the Central American level was discussed as well at this point.

Over the next day, participants produced individual short messages, which were evaluated in plenary. The fourth session, during the weekend and the first day of the second week, covered the preparation of microprograms based on interviews. The following day focused on the preparation of spots in three groups, and the sixth session continued with these groups and focused on producing radio stories on the environment. All products were presented and evaluated during the last session.

Documentation Used
Report of the first "Mi Tierra" course. Two manuals: radio production (12 articles); environment and communication (23 articles). RNTC and Panos provided also 6 packages of tapes and 5 books. Moreover, Panos and other organizations provided a great number of other publications.

Results
Sample radio material produced and evaluated: 3 microprogrammes, 3 campaigns of spots, 13 short messages, 7 interviews, and 3 dramas (children stories with animals).

An expanded "Mi Tierra" network of media, NGO and community representatives, trained in radio production in general and in particular regarding the theme. Network participants will be key in the follow-up with activities at the local level. Also, some additional regional organizations became involved.

Documentation of experiences and ideas on information and education activities relating to environment, health and sustainable development in communities in Central America.

Additional recommendations on radio formats, as well as the entire "Mi Tierra" programme.

Evaluation by Participants
As in the first course, a written evaluation as well as a plenary feedback session was conducted. The participants were very satisfied and gave high marks for the module and the products generated.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations
In addition to radio spots, interviews and children stories are very useful formats for "Mi Tierra". Again, it was recommended to vary the specific structure and format of sample programmes, and have many types of "Mi Tierra" programmes (fables, socio-dramas,testimonies, messages, etc).

Recommendations were made for additional members in the "Mi Tierra" network (from specific countries and background) in order to complete an effective team.

Proposals were circulated for national and regional follow-up activities.

 

24. Coronado, Costa Rica, 20-31 May 1996. RNTC/Panos/IICA International Radio Production Course-Workshop on Environment and Sustainable Development: "Mi Tierra". This course was a follow-up to course No. 23. See the information provided there.