WHY IRC CAME TO TWO PARROT
The IRC needed to develop and standardize multimedia training tools to increase effectiveness of teachers in refugee camps world-wide. In crisis and post-crisis environments, caring for, protecting, and nurturing children is increasingly complex. The displacement, multiple losses, and violence that children often face in these contexts can negatively impact them socially and emotionally. Learning environments can be structured spaces where children and youth feel a sense of safety, security, and hope. For those whose lives have been disrupted by crises, coming back to school is often seen as an opportunity for bringing communities together and reestablishing positive relationships. School helps children and youth regain a sense of normalcy within a predictable and routine environment. Attending school at regular times on a regular basis can help children, youth and their communities think positively about their future. As important caregivers outside the home, teachers help children and youth recover and develop by creating classrooms that help students heal. Teachers can communicate life-saving messages and help students learn important academic and life skills. The IRC needed Two Parrot’s help in standardizing a “Healing Classrooms” multi-media teacher training to address the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of young people who have lost almost everything.
VIDEO PRODUCTION DETAILS
Over the course of 6months, Jessica Kizorek managed a team that travelled to refugee camps both Pakistan and Liberia to capture best practices in the field. In teams of two, we spent four days in each country. The risk factor on this project was particularly high, and for much of the trip we were protected by armed security. It was therefore crucial that we bring as little equipment as possible, and we remain as low profile as possible through dangerous areas. Because of how vast and deep the content was, pre-production planning was the most crucial piece of this project. Scripts were written and approved before leaving the country so we could focus on capturing b-roll footage to match every piece of the instructional material, put together by a Phd. in educational design. We created vast shot lists, and in the end captured thousands of photographs and video clips to create a strong portfolio of multi-media teaching tools. Two Parrot Productions awarded IRC with two video production grants to fund portions of the project in Liberia and Pakistan.
