BARNAMALA EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY

Summary

This program introduces underprivileged rural school children to the digital world providing them with a means for self-expression through alternative and fun learning methods. We teach media literacy skills to kids in the states of West Bengal. Exposing them to the forms of media and equipping them to create their own media enables them to communicate in insightful and imaginative ways. India's underprivileged youth, who often lack a voice, can share their unique experiences

Challenge

School education in rural India is divorced from strong arts and cultural components. This deprives students of channels for exploring their creativity and imagination. Moreover, children and community members are exposed to all kinds of information and media (word-of-mouth, mainstream etc.) without the ability to question and comprehend this information and thereby end up developing misinformed opinions. This in turn leaves these children open to exploitation.

Solution

Our facility is currently equipped with video cameras and computers. We would like to include activities on sound and film appreciation to expand the scope of the program. The program will benefit over 4500 children (ages 12-15) from West Bengal.

Long-Term Impact

For a rich and robust democracy, it is important for citizens (especially youth) to understand information and communicate in an engaging manner. The Media Arts and literacy program will instil in young learners an independent voice. It will allow them to explore the ways in which society communicates with them and equip learners to expertly convey their own impressions and thoughts. In doing so, these young citizens will become active participants of the debates that inform tomorrow's society.