Children take on the media for the eighth time

Some of the topics identified for discussion by the children at this year's conference include virginity testing and circumcision, child trafficking, cultural identity, global warming, human rights and sexuality.

The conference aims to enable children and youth to identify the social issues pertinent to themselves and their peers as well as to talk about the power of the media – and how to use it.

Highlight

Conference co-ordinator Nashira Abrahams-De Jongh says a highlight of this year's event is the partnership between Bush Radio and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund).

This partnership has enabled the participation young people from various parts of Africa, as well as access to various experts in the field of media and child rights.

Abrahams-De Jongh adds: "Bush Radio, Africa's oldest community radio station project, started MKK eight years ago because children are often seen as passive absorbers of the media. MKK shows that they are the ones who can influence the media by actively producing their own material."

MKK 2007 not only celebrates the 18th Convention for Rights on Children through discussions and debates but also through practical workshops where the young participants will create radio and television broadcasts, as well as publish material in print and online.

Live broadcast

"We want young people to share how they experience social issues in their lives. How they deal with it, and how they can change it," says Abrahams-De Jongh.

The conference culminates with a live broadcast from the island, on the International Children's Day of Broadcasting (10 December 2007), on Bush Radio 89.5fm.