rigorously strong pillar for the country's development. To keep our
youth and general public up-to-date and active in society, the media,
through television, has become a powerful tool to disseminate
information.
In the last several years, we've noticed more incentives from
television producers to screen programs relevant to youth and that
gives them an opportunity for direct participation, such as 'You're
the man! Show', 'Clever Youth' and more.
Kong Sovandeth, 20, a first-year student at Royal University of Law
and Economics said that, from what he observed, there are a number of
TV programs which are related to young Cambodians and some of which
have urged and encouraged youths to participate and share their
knowledge.
"There are a lot of key strategies of study to be shared among
students and youths who watch tv programs. For instance, there is a
program called 'YOU and ME'. We can learn something new in addition to
what we have learned at school."
But he criticised some entertainment programs.
"Youths sometimes spend their study time watching entertainment
programs and ignore their study."
Kong Sovandeth prefers to watch debating programs, or quiz-like
programs aimed at educating and providing knowledge to youth.
For Lim Sreytoch, 20, an English major at Pannasastra University of
Cambodia, those educational programs for youth are not as popular
amongst young Cambodians as they should be.
"They spend all their free time hanging out with friends and they
sometimes get up to mischief as well. Because of that, I hope TV
stations will produce more programs related to youth in order to
attract them so they focus more on their study and learn something
from the programs," she said.
Per a UNDP study in 2010, out of 2000 Cambodian youths across the
provinces, 87 per cent watch international TV film series, 65 per cent
of youths watch Khmer TV shows, while concert and comedy shows make up
for 55 per cent and news attracts 43 per cent of youth.
On the other side of the spectrum, the percentage of youths watching
educational programs is a stark two per cent. According to UNDP
website, International Youth day – on August 12, 2011 – aims to
produce a mass media campaign in Cambodia to empower young adults aged
15 to 24 to get involved in community-level volunteerism.
The campaign includes a TV drama and discussion show, radio call-in
programs and so on.
In a speech given by UNDP's Youth Advocacy Officer, Gregory Lavender,
the campaign "will feature young people making a difference in their
communities and will help other youngsters realize their own
potential".
Elena Tischenko, country directory of UNDP, said that young people all
over the world – especially in countries with a young population like
Cambodia – are vital to media initiatives because of the vast
contributions that they can make to national development.
"Working with youth is among key priorities for UNDP in Cambodia in
the years to come. This is simply because young people have huge
potential, great energy and can make very valuable contributions to
Cambodia's future," she said.
Sot Rin, program manager of Youth Council of Cambodia, said that
producing programs related to teens and young adults is essential.
"Youths can improve their leadership skills and knowledge about the
issues that happen around them, especially social issues," he said.
"Youths are important human resources for developing our society, so
by developing their leadership skills, they can convey their knowledge
and ideas to other people in order to avoid committing something bad
in society."
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012031455030/LIFT/young-cambodians-focus-their-lens-on-tv-education.html
Young Cambodians focus their lens on TV education
Sun Narin and Dareth Rosalin
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
