Cooperation with the Association made it possible to organize trainings on dissemination of BCD problems among communities. The trainings were organized in two community multimedia centers in Chui and Naryn provinces. Among the participants were active schoolchildren and heads of Multimedia Centers. During the trainings, they learned what BCD is, discussed why it is important to preserve biological and cultural values, and gave their presentations. As a way to communicate with BCD, experienced instructors taught them the collective video (CV) method. CV is a tool that can help mobilize communities, sensitize community members and the general public to different issues and problems, discuss and find better ways to solve problems and/or improve their lives.
Because these students already had some writing and reporting skills, they were able to learn the TOR method in this training. During the training they learned how to use a camera, write a script, be a director, work in a team, and use their creativity. As a result of intensive training and discussions, the students independently chose a topic, developed a script, and made short documentaries.
The students of the Kulanak Media Center made a short video called "Muras" (Heritage). This film tells the story of the old shepherd's game "Toguz Korgool". The game has become very popular among Kyrgyz people. But, as the children said, they play more games on their smartphones and don't pay attention to our traditional games. In their film, they tried to show that this old game is very clever and helps develop mathematical and logical thinking. By playing this game in everyday life, they, the youth, can pass it on as a legacy to the next generations.
Members of the Dostuk Community Media Center made a video report about a woman from their village, a master embroiderer and former teacher. Retired, she continues to pass on her knowledge and skills to new generations through workshops and school clubs. The children tried to show the beauty of her work and tell about an interesting person living in their village.
The films are available on Youtube:
Presentation to Community Media Association leaders
We believe that working with the Community Media Association is one of the most effective ways to reach communities and disseminate information and knowledge related to their lives. That's why it was important to meet with Community Media Center leaders. At the Association's annual meeting, we gave a presentation on BCD and discussed our potential collaboration for future steps. At the meeting, we recommended showing our three documentaries to their communities and talking more about pasture management issues, preserving native plant varieties, reviving traditional knowledge and passing it on to new generations in our articles and reports.
More information about the Public Media Association on the Internet:
http://kyrgyzmedia.com/2019/11/05/taberik/
http://kyrgyzmedia.com/2019/10/25/kulanak-media-borborunda-zha-y-ykma/