Rick's Introduction

Hi all

I feel honoured to have been invited along to Malawi to work with people from the OU, DAPP and a small group of teachers from schools in the area. I have never been to Africa before, so on one level this is just very thrilling for me, as like many people I have had rich and definitive experiences through aspects of African culture, so stepping onto African soil for the first time is going to quite a big deal.

Added to this, in the training I'm very keen to explore the way in which aspects of PV (participatory video) and film-making will be able to:

·      To create an opportunity for teachers and other stakeholders to reflect on the value and impact of the AKT approach

·      To disseminate good practice by creating a video which explores and disseminates AKT activities

·      To increase social and technical confidence as facilitators and PV

·      To gain familiarity with a broad suite of kit and identify relevant workflow, in order to support good decisions about what to specify in future projectsAdded to this, in the training I'm very keen to explore the way in which aspects of PV (participatory video) and film-making will be able to:

Alongside the video cameras and camcorders we more commonly use, I'm very keen to explore with our group the way in which cheaper and more mobile technology such as iPads, Google tablets and smartphones (iPhone of Samsung Galaxy)  will add to these ways of working.

Chris High and I have worked together for many years, ever since we became friends and he got curious about the social film-making techniques and PV that I was involved with in my work with young people within the West Midlands. Our first project together was for DFID in Southern India in 2001. Since then we've worked together in Eire, Hungary, France and the UK. This time we're bringing with us a whole variety of kit and ideas, and are looking to work closely with our group - to listen, facilitate and explore the ways in which these technologies and working methods can facilitate learning and effect positive change.

Looking forward to working with you all!

Rick Goldsmith, Catcher Media Social