Communications for Development and Social Change

Featured Speakers: Javier Ampuero, Director of the Media Production Center, Natalia Vaccarezza, Programs Director of La Asociacion de Comunicadores Sociales Calandria;

PCI-Media Impact and La Asociacion de Comunicadores Sociales Calandria (Calandria) formed a regional partnership combining their local talents and experience in the area of development communications. Together they worked to form a medium of entertainment education to serve the region’s youth about issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, intergenerational communication, and gender equality.

During Thursday’s presentation, Ampuero addressed the intergenerational communication gap among families that ignites social problems among today’s youth. Through the partnership, Calandria and PCI-Media Impact created a radio drama series that entertains, educates and inspires behavior and social change.

“The stories are relevant to the listeners because they incarnate real situations which cause listeners to strengthen their ways of living, reevaluate the roles in their lives, and offer positive alternatives to change to,” said Ampuero.

He continued to explain that this strong equilibrium between the lessons learned and entertainment are woven together to create a positive change in the youth’s lives.

Currently, PCI and Calandria have offered this educational entertainment radio service in the Caribbean, Kenya, China, and India. According to Executive Producer of PCI-Media Impact, Mike Castlen, this radio drama series project has formed intergenerational teams of adults and young people to work together and communicate effectively.

Sponsor: PCI-Media Impact

Location: InterAction

Date: Thursday September 6, 2007

Time: 10:00-11:30 A.M.

Approximate Number of Attendees: 5 attendees

Intern Attending: Noon Salih

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