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“It is a very engaging process of learning. The songs really stay with you. Excellent props-great detailing.”
“Love the creativity, the different characters, and presenting material as part of a story. Also liked the use of Tamil & English, the songs and the interactive setup…”
“It was designed so beautifully and had a good combination of fun elements and language education. The music, script, costumes and set-design were exquisite.”
“I think the reactions of the kids were most indicative of why it will work – even though they had watched it earlier, they were still so excited. The film had both the kids and adults entertained.”
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All the above encouraging feedback characterized the lively evening on Dec. 8th, at the release and screening of the pilot episode “Wow! What’s that sound?” of Aid India’s new educational English language DVD series for children. The venue was Madras Terrace House, a several decades-old reclaimed house in Royapettah, which acts as a venue for plays, exhibitions and NGO events on a regular basis. Mouth-watering masala chai, masala vadai and samosa pleased visitors who were busy taking a look at the props and the English language material displayed at the entrance. An informal sneak preview was held at the same venue on Dec. 7th for friends and family.
The evening commenced with a lively music performance by Vedanth, the music composer and Jonathan Singer, xylophonist of Xylopholks, both of who were in costume, much to the glee of kids in the audience. Dr. Balaji Sampath, Director of Aid India delivered an inspirational talk on the role of education and knowledge of the English language in bringing about linguistic equality and bridging the growing economic divide. This was followed by a brief presentation, ‘Between your desire and destiny there are DVDs’ by Mr. Robert Bellarmine, formerly of the British Council and currently Director of English for Empowerment and Enrichment.
Dr.Vasanthi Devi & Mr.Ravikumar MLA, releasing the DVD.
On the left is Ms. Sumangali, English Team, AID INDIA
A documentary on the making of the DVD was then played. The guests enjoyed watching this video, which had, besides interviews with the child artists, entertaining video snippets, bloopers and behind the scenes outtakes. This was followed by a speech by Mr. Ravikumar, MLA, activist and author. He spoke on the role of education in empowering disadvantaged children and communities. Mr. Ravikumar also released the pilot episode to Ms. Vasanthi Devi, President of Aid India and former Chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women. They jointly distributed DVDs to the child stars. During the screening of the pilot episode, the guests were delighted to watch the children’s lively engagement with the video. Ms. Vasanthi Devi remarked that the storyline was engaging, while also doing the job of an educational English lesson, involving child stars from the target group.
The child artists patiently endured long days on the set.
Other participants, besides the Aid India team included the child stars from Chennai and Koovathur and their families, the directors, the cast, NGOs, foundations & companies involved in education initiatives and members from the print media.
Balaji emphasized the importance of partnerships to and complete the rest of the DVD series. Support not only in terms of funding, but also in providing studio space/technical support, professional help for content and scripting, as well as educational materials and refreshments for the child stars would help in taking this initiative forward.
This pilot episode will be screened for several groups of children and teachers in different schools and based on their feedback and learning effectiveness, future episodes will be produced.
Highlighted in The Hindu
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/10/07/stories/2009100758150200.htm
If you are interested in supporting this project, please find Ready to Read on http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/KirstenAnderson/ready-to-reads-educational-english-dvd-series, a fund raising website for creative initiatives. |
