Back from the 2010 KNN summit
by Bernardo Caceres Vegas, Network Coordinator
Packed of enthusiasm and great ideas, the KNN 2010 summit, last week in Johannesburg, was a big success, with presence of kids news makers from 10 different countries.
We confirmed our determination to build a strong network for kids empowerment through information and free expression.
The 2010 Best Item Award went to the recently launched Caribbean Kids News, and was proudly received by CKN editor in chief Sulin Passial.
Kids and soccer, the news in Soweto, was covered by crews from Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia training for KNN’s coverage of the world cup.
Standing l. to r. : Daniel Bello (NAPA-Peru), Nkosinathi Mkhize (Kids News, South Africa), Katja Michael (KNN Program Officer), Toe Zaw Latt (Youth Voice, Democratic Voice of Burma), Ole Chavannes (KNN Program Manager), Jihad Abufala (Community Media Network, Jordan), Bordina Muala (Telejunior, Mozambique), Jacqui Hlongwane (SABC, South Africa), Mabvuto Phiri (Z-Kids, Zambia). Seating l. to r.: Hasina Kathrada (KNN Regional Program Officer Africa), Soelami Starke (Ten Minuten, Suriname), Ria Ernunsari (KNN Regional Program Officer Asia), Sulin S.F. Passial (Caribbean Kids News, Dutch Antilles), Bernardo Caceres Vegas (KNN Network Coordinator).
Commitments for collaboration and exchange, new targeted audiences in the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, the new KNN Radio strategy, are set for the coming year. The fleet of KNN news rooms is only bigger and stronger.
I would like to thank you all for a very successful KNN summit. It was lovely to meet all of you and your passion and enthusiam for the programme was both gratifying and humbling. The Kids News Network has grown over the years and its future looks bright. It was an honour to host all of you in our country and city of Gold and I hope that you all travelled safely back to your home countries reenergised with lots of ideas for your own programmes and World Kids News. I wish the dream team all the success during the world cup and hope to see you all again in the near future.
Much love
Jacqui