TVG Children’s Programme Empowering Tomorrow’s Youth
Great things are in store for Season two of the Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow (KTLT) television programme. KTLT is a pre-recorded, one hour programme which is aired on TVG Channel 28 in Georgetown and Essequibo, and Channel 12 in Berbice on Saturdays at 11am and rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 4pm, and Fridays at 8:30am. According to the Television Coordinator, Mr. Neaz Subhan, the primary goal is for the young participants and the audience to be groomed for the future, to expand their repertoire and to foster their creativity.
Alluding to new aspects to be added in season two, the TV Coordinator assured that the additions will contribute to the further enhancement of literacy skills, among other abilities. He said, “We will introduce a new reading programme which is geared towards advancing and enhancing literacy skills. This will be extremely beneficial as we plan to have various guests on the show; they will make a short appearance and read to the children.”
This segment will feature guests (such as local celebrities, famous personalities and others) who read to the children or be interviewed by them on the show. What is unique about this segment is that all the questions asked, based on their understanding of the person and their roles, will be composed by the children participating on the show.
Another exciting aspect to be included is the ‘news segment’ which will see children reporting on events and sharing general knowledge facts in various fields including, science and technology.
Crucial support
Addressing the challenges, Mr. Subhan expressed the hope that corporate partners and education officials will come to realise the impact that the show already has on the young participants and the audience, and will be encouraged to contribute to the continued success of the programme. In addition, he expressed the hope that more educators will get involved which will propel the show to even greater heights.
During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the show’s producer, Ms Robin St. Marthe, explained that this “pioneer” children’s programme combines education and entertainment for nursery and primary students. The show which appeals to ages 4 to 11, aims to make learning fun with its holistic, well-thought-out programmes presented to get children active – not only physically, but mentally. More importantly, KTLT’s interactive, educational activities and teaching techniques, which are backed by childhood-development principles and quality research, are being used successfully in many classrooms around the country.
Consisting of four main segments geared towards developing cognition, ‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’ provides insight to parents and guardians on how to effectively use its teaching methodologies at home. Subject areas covered include craft, proper hygiene, storytelling, English, science and math.
KTLT is hosted by Ms Taneka Sanchara, the director of Unique Play School & Daycare which was recognised by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Childcare Services as being one of 13 schools licensed to operate in Guyana, and Ms Kimell Thomas, a practising teacher for over 13 years and a social worker for four years. Thomas currently serves as a welfare officer at Stephen’s Primary, providing guidance, counselling and support to children and their parents.
Empowerment
“The fact that they are exposed to the camera and a live audience has boosted their confidence and enhanced their ability to effectively communicate. Initially, they were shy and introverted, today almost all of the young participants are very outspoken. They have transformed over a couple of months,” Production Supervisor, Mr. Delroy Dash added.
The young KTLT participants are drawn from various schools across the country and remain excited about the project and always eager to explore new ideas for the show. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Incorporated (GBTI), in 2017, collaborated with KTLT to raise literacy awareness in Guyana; teachers hosted literacy, art and craft sessions with the camp. Several of the young participants expressed their delight at being a part of the beneficial summer programme.
“I really like this summer camp. Some things I’d like to learn are arts and craft, folk takes and folk songs. We also get to learn history of Guyana at this exciting camp, in the old age and in the present,” eight-year-old Akil Elcock articulated. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
