What is media literacy?
By definition media literacy is:
The ability to read, analyze, evaluate and produce communication in a variety of media forms (television, print, radio, computers, etc.).
Visit this link at the PBS website for a glossary of media literacy terms
This project will focus on the ability to produce communication in various forms. You will decide which media you will use to express your ideas about development. Creativity counts, so get your thinking caps on and start producing!
You can use any of the resources provided for you in the resource section. Entries with content created by the authors will be scored higher than those with just media from the CHF resources.
What is CHF?
CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling poor rural communities in developing countries to attain sustainable livelihoods.
How can students make a difference at CHF?
Elementary students may choose, with the help of teachers and parents, to run our Kids Helping Kids Around the World event. Your school creates its own unique, colourful wall mural. As students bring in money from chores, they get to purchase the components of a community – animals, houses, wells and tools. They then colour them and add them to the school’s wall mural to represent healthy community.
Your school or class can give the gift of hope for families living in poverty in developing countries overseas. Through CHF's Gifts That Matter, you and your students can choose from over 10 different items that can make a huge difference to people living in rural communities around the world.
For example, for $100, your class can provide clean drinking water for a family in Ghana.
Faq
How should I plan for my project?
When thinking about your project, you need to ensure you follow proper media literacy principles including the theory of design, marketing and aesthetics. Be sure that you complete a storyboard, think out your project and take the time to plan out what you want your final project to look like. To have a quality submission, you need to take your time, plan well and complete multiple attempts before you submit your final entry.
What pictures, music, etc. can I use for my project?
Any image from CHF’s website, including the tool section for this contest. All entries that contain images and music that have not come from the CHF website, unless the entry has provided written permission from the owner, will be disqualified.
What is the largest file size I can use?
Maximum file size should be less than 7 megabytes.
What type of software should I use?
There are many types of software to use, depending what your school has to offer. Microsoft Window Movie Maker and Apple's iMovie are available on most systems, but ask your teacher, as they may have other software available.
How will my project be judged?
Your project will be evaluated by a panel of judges who will review your entry and judge it according to these four areas: ability to demonstrate your understanding of the topic for your age category, creativity, ability to follow the guidelines and rules and the ability to show the strengths and assets of communities in developing countries.
When is the deadline?
The Early Bird Deadline is December 18, 2009. Prize will be awarded on January 5, 2010. All entries must be received by May 10, 2010 as prizes will be awarded on May 17, 2010. The voting for the People’s Choice Award will end on June 14, 2010 and the prize will be awarded on June 21, 2010.
What are the prizes?
Henry’s in Kanata has graciously agreed to supply a camera package including a digital camera, camera bag, battery and re-charger, and memory stick for the five winning entries! The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a $250 gift certificate for Henry’s. The People's Choice Prize will be awarded on June 21, 2010.
How can I submit my project?
Go to the Submit Entry page, fill out the form “I have read and understand the rules” and upload your entry. It’s that easy! If you experience a problem, please contact Sandra Kiviaho at (613) 237-0180 ext. 210.
What exactly is the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach?
Ensuring families have sustainable livelihoods means that families can withstand emergencies and can afford to cover basic human needs, and medical and school expenses. This development approach looks for the opportunities, potential and strengths in a community and also understands the influence that different groups and their interrelationships can have on a community.
CHF’s approach to development is grounded in the idea that the tools for change are already present in communities. Our approach takes an exhaustive look at all aspects of a community, identifying assets in all possible areas — human, social, physical, natural, financial and political. Special skills and knowledge, unique relationships and connections, renewable natural resources and access to everything from land, to public services, to credit – our approach sees assets everywhere. Even in places no one has ever looked before.
Read our in-depth publication on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach
A few good websites to visit are:
http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/
http://www.undp.org/poverty
http://www.worldbank.org/
http://www.ifad.org