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Mengmeng, a little girl from Pucheng County in Central Shaanxi, writes: “I will work hard on my study in return for my Canadian sponsor…” In Yilong Primary School of Pucheng County, Wenwen, together with her classmates, appeal to all the students “let’s take care of every little tree to create a green school”. In Jia County, northern part of Shaanxi Province, Fanfan would remind herself that “the world will be full of love as long as everyone contribute a little” when recalling her touching and impressive experience. In Yulin, Liangliang is a girl who has strong interest in everything. Recently, she is very keen on observing hens laying eggs and has written down the whole process with vivid description to share with other children.… These places are where Plan China has conducted its programs, and the quotes above are from the Voice of Children, the only magazine in China that is written and edited by children from rural area. In this magazine, rural children can write down what happens around them so as to share their interesting experiences and thought-provoking ideas with others. They also discussed different kinds of topics such as protecting the earth. Besides, a specific health column has been opened in the magazine in order to improve children’s awareness of health and hygiene. The magazine also enables children to gain additional knowledge by sharing with them news and stories that happen outside their communities and schools, even in other parts of the world. In 2010, the Voice of Children (VOC) magazine was started by Plan China, aiming at improving the ability of rural children in indentifying, analyzing and solving problems, as well as promoting their sensitivity of discovering and writing news and broadening their horizon. The magazine is wholly edited by children themselves. Since it was issued at the end of last year, the Voice of Children has drawn intense attention from 21 countries and areas (donor countries of Plan). The magazine not only provides a platform for rural children to show their talents and demonstrate their values, but also improves children’s all-round ability through conducting interviews and writing news articles. From 31st July to 6th August 2011, Plan China held a special activity for little journalists of the Voice of Children and their counseling teachers-- Plan China VOC Summer Camp of Discovery, to motivate rural students and broaden their horizon. The summer camp was held in Xi’an, and during the six-day camp, little journalists from the northern and central part of Shaanxi Province, led by Plan China staff, visited the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum in Tang Dynasty Western Market, learnt about knowledge on Xi’an International Horticultural Exposition, visited Shaanxi History Museum and took part in other activities; and also discussed and shared with others what they gained from this summer camp.
Mark Leighton, the Country Director of Plan China, encouraged little journalists: “As a part of child’s media activities, Plan China very much supports the Voice of Children magazine projects and this summer camp activity. I hope in this Plan China Voice of Children little journalists summer camp, all the little journalists can find out and write down what you hear and see in this journey, and share your views in a future edition of VOC magazine.” During the meeting, little journalists also expressed their wishes in joining in this summer camp, and showed their gratitude by wearing related leaders the badges of little journalists. After the opening ceremony, little journalists watched Intangible Cultural Heritage shows including Shadow Play, and experienced the making process of Banpo Black Pottery. “I hope to learn more knowledge which we can’t get from books, and also make more friends in this summer camp”, little journalists told us. Brief introduction and background of VOC Plan China Voice of Children is the only magazine written and edited by rural children themselves in China, and all the involved children are from poverty-stricken areas. Since it was issued at the end of last year, the Voice of Children has drawn intense attention from 21 countries and areas (donor countries of Plan). The magazine not only provides a platform for rural children to show their talents and demonstrate their values, but also improves children’s all-round ability through conducting interviews and writing news articles. |
