Article
Germaine describes how primary school children are often left out of receiving political education. The project encourages democracy step one, discussion and listening to one another. She expresses how children should feel like they can take control of their thoughts. As someone who works with children, she noticed many kids begin to worry about their futures. They felt comfortable talking about it to her, but often did not discuss it with their classmates. As such, she wanted to introduce the possibility of a discussion space as early as possible.
Adults do not play a creative or leading role, but are rather there to support or provide prompts for discussion. The children have complete control of how they would like to discuss or edit their work. The audio drama as a medium presents an opportunity for the children to realise they can take control of their stories, creating audio dramas as abstract as they would like it to be. Being a sound artist herself, Germaine also realised the potential of a microphone. When one is involved, the person recording often keeps quiet whilst listening to the lived experience of another. Through a creative medium, the children would develop the skills to listen, and realise that they have the power to express their lived experiences and thoughts in any way they wish (through audio).
Project Development
A workshop plan was first drafted, then came the recruiting of adults to help out. The adults that came together as part of our community radio to make the workshops happen did so out of the goodness of their hearts. Artists, a child psychologist, DJs, Poets, didn’t bat an eye before volunteering eagerly to make this happen again. A form was then sent out to have children come to the workshop for a pilot session. The project shall continue with a local after-school care group.
Next Steps
Zuhörspielen, though at the moment a voluntary workshop, is always looking for funding. This would mean having more access to equipment, and potentially a free camp for the kids. Zuhörspielen must be a free workshop, and it would be amazing if the adults involved can be reimbursed for their time. Since Cashmere Radio is also a space that relies on funding, being able to donate a rental fee would be ideal. If you have an old laptop, microphone, or would like to make a donation to Cashmere Radio, Zuhörspielen is open to that!
The website for Cashmere Radio can be found here.
