Location: Kennington, south London

Duration: 5 days

Overall aim: Our 5-day 'Introduction to Participatory Video' course hopes to contribute to participating organisations’ and individuals’ work on popular knowledge creation and communication for social change. The training is suitable for development practitioners and activists who have an interest or are seeking ways of strengthening citizens’ voice (particularly the poor and marginalised) to have a greater impact on decision –making processes and advocacy for social justice.

The specific objectives are:

1. To deepen participants’ understanding of Participatory Video: what it is, why it is important, its uses and underpinning principles.

2. To equip participants with hands-on skills/techniques and practical steps for initiating, setting up and facilitating a Participatory Video process.

3. To provide the participants with an opportunity to reflect on the training experience, share their insights on the usefulness of Participatory Video in their work/organisations.

Outcomes:

At the end of the training the participants will:

• Have acquired knowledge, skills and methodologies to begin to facilitate Participatory Video processes;

• Have confidence in the handling of video cameras;

• Have increased awareness of the potential uses of Participatory Video in different contexts;

• Feel at ease and able to begin practicing use of video as a participatory tool with local communities;

• Be able to facilitate and support communities to overcome fear and handle video equipment on their own; Have an initial experience of video editing, and will have explored ways to assemble video footage into meaningful messages for effective communication;

• Be able to get a DVD copy of Participatory Video work facilitated by trainees during the fieldwork.

Note: the course will provide a good understanding of the uses and workings of Participatory Video and will introduce you to computer editing.  A further study of Participatory Video, and appropriate practice of the process is strongly recommended before undertaking a serious project alone.

InsightShare run 2 and 3 week courses which include extended periods in the field, and a backstopping service if required.  To find out more about bespoke and longer/in-depth training courses please email us.

The training will be participatory and practical.  The training methodology will employ principles of experiential learning: employing a wide range of visual techniques that enhance creativity, sharing, reflection and learning. These will include games and group exercises such as role plays, drama, drawing, and others.

The training is divided into six key blocks:

1. Participatory Video theory: rationale and principles.

2. Participatory Video application: hands on exercises and games.

3. Participatory Video project design.

4. 1-day fieldwork placement (within local community group).

5. Feedback and reflections on fieldwork experiences and usefulness of Participatory Video in participants’ work. Short introduction into computer-based video editing.

6. Action planning and evaluation of the training.

Course Participants: The training is designed for a maximum of 12 participants. No previous video experience is needed but experience of participatory methods (PRA/PLA/Reflect) and/or good facilitation skills are recommended.

Cost: £500 per person.

Limited concessionary places are available.

To receive an application form please contact the course coordinator.

Included:

Buffet lunch everyday (except the day of the community placements, where you will be required to provide your own lunch)

Supper and screening of Participatory Videos on one of evening (typically Monday or Tuesday)

A DVD of the videos produced during the fieldwork placement

Accomodation is not included.