The Tribune

By ALEXANDER HAWKINS

THE Ministry of Education will launch its second annual Kidz Radio Club on Mackey and Madeira Street on July 4.

Last year’s pilot programme brought high school students from around the country an immersion course in the rigours of media production. Having stayed in contact via social media, many of last year’s participants are returning to experience the new and improved Kidz Radio Club.

Twenty-five students from schools including St Augustine’s College, Queen’s College, Mount Carmel and C V Bethel will take part in the summer programme at the beginning of next month. Antoinette Gibson-Sands, the Co-ordinator of the programme, said that this was a chance for the students to “grow as individuals” and has set herself the challenge of “igniting the passion” for radio and media production within the students. In this vein, Ms Gibson-Sands and her fellow organisers have improved the programme to better give young Bahamians experience in the media production industry.

There have been a number of additions, which the Ministry of Education hopes will produce more well-rounded radio trainees. Specialists in media production will this year be meeting with students on a regular basis throughout their time with Kidz Radio Club, giving inside, expert information on the workings of the industry. Additionally, there will be a greater emphasis on the technology of recording and mixing, giving participants a superior grounding in the hardware and software critical in modern media production.

Interpersonal communication skills will also be developed as the participants in the club will conduct “Vox Pop” interviews. This project requires the collection of interviews from people on the street, as the students will be charged with gathering the views and opinions of Bahamians.

The programme will no longer be limited to Nassau as a field trip is planned to visit media production specialists in Abaco. Heavier weight will be put on video production this year than last, although radio remains the most important part of Kidz Radio Club 2016.

The people in charge of the programme are Melvern Davis, Antoinette Gibson-Sands, Laverne Cooper, Keno Burrows and Dorothy Rolle. For information email timeforeducation@hotmail.com or telephone 393-5381.