YOUTH ON DE SCENE:
Teen Talk 2004- A Television
Talk Show
Teen Talk is a weekly-televised talk show aimed at empowering youths in Antigua and Barbuda using the newly coined concept ‘edu-tainment', which is, education and entertainment combined. Studies have shown clearly that information presented to youths in this manner it is more likely to be adhere to, likewise if their own peers presents this information it tends to have more importance and is often present acted upon. This project is intended to guide youths into making inform decision by giving them the relevant information on various social issues affecting them .
Teen Talk is the brainchild of the National HIV/AIDS Programme in Antigua and Barbuda and is produce by HAMA Production House with financial sponsorship from the British High Commission. The shows are hosted by two teenagers, Denisha Whyte (13 yrs) and Denver Parillon (16 yrs) to a live audience of their peers.
A major goal of Teen Talk is to also bring about some level of positive behaviour change in youths and as such stem the impact of HIV/AIDS/STI on our young people in particular an the populatin in general. The project has been a predictable success because it is based on peers teaching peers in an exciting, entertaining manner, using a medium to which they are already addicted to – i.e. the television. This project also has the ability to fuse with other youth projects and as such provide a continuum for these projects by giving them a voice.
The shows focus on HIV/AIDS/STI prevention, care and support but is not limited to this. It also focuses on all aspects of society that contributes to the epidemic, which includes:
Another critical component of the show is the panel of experts appearing on the show each week as guests. This feature ensures that the information presented to these youth is the correct and that they do not leave the show with a screwed image of reality. The script for each show is also professional written by a hired script writer, which the hosts then have the task of interpreting into their own youthful language. Each show is very interactive and has competitive games and questions included to give the audience a chance to compete and test their knowledge. Prizes for the winner of each competition are donated by the local business community so too are some of the outfits worn by the host.
Teen Talk is envisioned to consist of 13 shows per series and will be an annual production. To date 7 shows have been completed and 5 have been aired both on the local television station as well as the Cable network. The staff of the AIDS Secretariat is extremely proud of this youth prevention initiative and welcomes the involvement of other persons/business/countries. Please feel free to email any comments/questions/request for a copy of a show to teentalkantigua@hotmail.com .
Presently the Secretariat is seeking financial sponsorship for next year's production. This is the time to get on board.
Show titles presently available on DVD or VHS cassette:
CONTACT:
The Antigua & Barbuda AIDS Secretariat
Ramco Building , Independence Drive
St John's
Telephone / Fax: 1 268 462 5039
Email: aidssec@candw.ag
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