Global Kids' Online Leadership Program

Question/Answer session in the MMI VVP presentation
September 6, 2007

Question: Chris Wisniewski- I’m curious as to what was the most exciting part of this program, what really thrilled you about being here? What kept you coming two times a week for a whole year?

Answer. Miguel - The most exciting thing about this program was learning all about the film techniques and learning how to work in Second Life. I also enjoyed gaining new skills and meeting new people. I liked working on a project where we can express ourselves.

Answer. Angela- It was a great opportunity coming here twice a week. We got more than we expected. I never thought that I would actually get to go out of state. I went to Wisconsin and Chicago to talk about my experience with machinima. It was such a great experience… It was great to not only show my work but to show the work of the other team members as well.

Answer. Nafiza- I think … we wanted to stick to the program because we were representing the people that were facing these issues. We wanted to work for the children in Northern Uganda who were suffering, who were being held as child soldiers and were being abused. In Northern Uganda, they don’t have the same amount of media access that we have and that’s why we felt that we had to represent them and what better way to do it then [through the usage of ] media. Using Machinima was a great way of making movies because it is inexpensive. You don’t have to pay for a real movie set …so it was a great way for teens to make movies.

Comment 2. Joshua Wolff- I actually stumbled upon this film on youtube. I came back from Uganda actually two weeks ago. We’re filming a documentary about the same issue and for about a month I worked with youth who were abducted, so it’s amazing to see a story that was pretty accurate. I think you guys did a wonderful job.

Comment 3- Peggy Sheehy -I attended many presentations at the conference and not one moved me as much as these students presentation. I wanted to also mention that they were the only group at the presentation that received a standing ovation and it was well deserved. If these students don’t know at this point how much their work is trickling down to students all over the world, they need to know now. Thank you!

Comment 4 - Fran Silverberg- I just want to tell the students that you guys really did a great job! I work for UNICEF and the funny thing is that Ishmael Beah’s girlfiend ….sent me an email and said you have to go to this. I can’t wait to tell her because, well I’m also the adopted aunt of Ishmael Beah. He would of come out tonight but he was very busy. You really have done an amazing job and I can’t wait to go back and tell people. I work with the division of communication and I have to tell them to view it. This is very exciting. It’s a very good film. Thank you.

Question 5 Evie- I just wanted to know what [the students] may have learned through your participation in Global Kids and how this program may play out through their choices for their future career goals. …?

Answer. Armando- It had a big impact. I really wasn’t into the whole video production part. I had no knowledge about it and after this program I’ve been looking at some colleges that have similar programs. I am interested in NYU and other college programs. Hopefully I’ll have enough experience to help me get into these college programs…and I also hope this program will continue to impact students positively.

Comment 6- Jonathon Cubillos- I think she read my mind. Most of you are my students. I’m the educator at Aviation High School and I wanted to congratulate you all. [In our school] we have intensive courses and we finish roughly around 4:00 pm…. These students still made a great effort in coming out and working hard for this program… Thank you guys and congratulations.