Media Kidocracy Konfrence 2007

2007-12-10T06:45:00.000+02:00

2007-12-10T06:00:00.000+02:00

THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED MAKE MKK 2007 POSSIBLE

A breakdown of cultural barriers

2007-12-10T05:48:00.000+02:00

By Inshaaf Isaacs

Cultural barriers were demolished thanks to MKK – the Media Kidocracy Konfrence hosted on Robben Island in 2007. Youth from diverse cultures and beliefs shared accommodation, ideas and enjoyed the activities planned by the crew.

Curious minds were always found at the dining tables, in their dorms, playing soccer or just relaxing answering and asking questions regarding the culture and way of life of their newly found friends.

Prayer time was especially exciting for the Muslim students as fellow room-mates watched in amazement when they performed their prayers. “It was really exciting, it’s not as if you have an audience watching you pray at home,” said a delegate.

Youth from Sudan, Burundi, Congo and Cape Town had nearly lost their voices after endless explaining the significance of their faith and culture. “We don’t mind explaining, it goes both ways, you know something I don’t and vice versa,” says Elie Tshitenge from Cape Town.

Culture is a barrier that prevents the best of friendships from even starting. However, thanks to MKK this barrier has be removed and new open-minded youth have blossomed. We should all make it our duty to destroy the barrier of cultural diversity and work towards a better youth for a better future. On behalf of all participants of the MKK we would like to thank all who made it possible – THANK YOU!

MKK 2007 IN PICTURES

2007-12-10T04:00:00.000+02:00

Jameel was inspired to write these words...

2007-12-10T01:13:00.000+02:00

By Jameel Webster

From Me To You

Everyday is a struggle but we keep moving on
Hustling to survive and keep going strong
It might not be so understandable to you
But if you step back and look at it you’ll really see the truth now,
A lot of things are happening in the world today
There’s more bad than good so we lose our way
And people get sucked in, they feel the pressure
Working a normal nine-to-five that can really stress you
Some people go their whole lives without love
Never knowing what it’s like to know there’s someone thinking of you
We need to break through, show someone that you care
That’s all it takes to make a difference, show someone you’re there coz,
We only have one life but more than one chance
It’s up to you to take advantage make your own brand
It’s possible to change the world just make a stand
All you have to do is believe coz I know you can…

You've heard them... now see them

2007-12-10T01:03:00.000+02:00

By Jameel Webster & Inshaaf Isaacs

Jameel Webster and Inshaaf Isaacs spoke to the dopest DJs in the universe. As we know (and as YOU know) Victor J and Wesley aka Wes gave us their views on MKK and doing what they do best... hosting the breakfast show on Robben Island.

Victor, the host of Bush Radio's vibrant AM show It's All Good, has been on board with MKK for three years accompanied by his partner in rhymes Wesley. They have been doing the breakfast show during the Media Kidocracy Konfrence weekdays live from Robben Island for the past three years.

“It was interesting to see people from different backgrounds and cultures come together, especially in terms of communication and how easily the delegates adapted to their newly found home, for their stay during the Konference,” says Victor J.

“It’s been brilliant seeing diverse youth share experiences and ideas,” says Wesley.

The DJs were expecting a lot of hard work and dedication from the delegates. Their expectations were met and had a ball of a time waking up the sleepy participants after their “hip-hop till you drop” (literally) classes which they had endless fun with before going to bed each night.

“MKK has grown dramatically and has spread from radio to all forms of media, hence RKK – Radio Kidocracy Konference. It’s brilliant and it deserves more recognition; we have achieved international recognition as delegates from all over Africa have attended,” says Wesley.

“We are striving towards encouraging more diverse cultures coming aboard,” says Victor J.

“The media is a powerful tool that should be used constructively. As youth you should NOT feel intimidated by it but use it to make yourself heard. If there’s anything you want - go for it. Never be discouraged, we all have dreams and education is YOUR key to success. If you fail simply dust yourself and try and try again,” said the DJs.

To all who read this remember… Daai Sie Move!

Can you handle it?

2007-12-10T00:53:00.000+02:00

By Inshaaf Isaacs

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life, delegates from all corners of Africa engaged in the 8th Media Kidocracy Konference hosted on Robben Island for 2007.

The often-abused conveniences by teenagers were greatly missed and appreciated even after the first day. Among the most missed were the convenience of drinkable tap water, cellphone reception and spaza shops.

Teenagers from completely different backgrounds and ethnicities abandoned the norm of mainland life to reside on the isolated world heritage site for six days and five nights. Adapting to island-style life was really hard for the minority of the delegates but the vibrant majority made the most of every moment since they set foot on the island.

Technology as we know is now seen as a need by an overwhelming amount of youth but little did they know that the reception on the island was bad, bad enough that you’ll have a tough time logging into mXit!!! However, the delegates were not deterred from having the best time of their lives. Remarkable social activity was always under way and the soccer ball brought about new friendships and music bonded the boys and girls into one big family.

The exciting, informative and entertaining programme which MKK had planned took the place of the dreaded cellphone which consumes their lives during the December holiday. Youth visiting from other countries had the least amount of trouble adapting to island-style life but the Capetonians felt as if the bad reception and poor signal was outright torture. The spaza shops you find on every corner on the busy streets of the mainland were dearly missed by many.

“It’s difficult, especially if you’re used to having extra. The shop is far and it’s hot, really hot,” said Capetonian Christine Tshitoka. The only shop on the island (besides the tourist curio shop) stocks basic food, so the youth certainly became healthier too. Chumile Mangxola, a resident on the island, said that the only luxury food is pies. “Imagine a life buying a pie everyday. It’s depressing.”

However, this island is not anything short of a fun-filled adventure, especially if it’s your first time. On comparing entertainment on mainland to that on the island it was discovered that the reception was worse, the noise pollution less as well as social activity.

Overall the visit to the island was life-changing for many, and most of us would definitely come back in the future. MKK has certainly proven to be a success – congratulations crew!

Healthy living gets the delegates talking

2007-12-10T00:50:00.000+02:00

By Martha Butseka

I learnt about health and virginity testing. Dr Pamela Naidoo spoke to us about HIV/AIDS and boys who go to the bush for circumcision.

The delegates got into groups and discussed HIV/AIDS and virginity testing. We also discussed sex and how girls menstruate. Dr Naidoo also spoke about female circumcision, which is a reality in parts of Africa. The session was very informative, thank you from all the participants, Dr Naidoo!

Wake up and dance!

2007-12-10T00:13:00.000+02:00

By Martha Butseka

I wake up eager to dance. We usually eat breakfast before dancing.
If we don’t exercise, it is better to do dancing.
I enjoy dancing because it makes me to stay from drugs and crime.
Dancing keeps our bodies healthy and strong.
Dancing also helps us to maintain our weight.
As we are young stars we need something that will keeps us busy and safe.
And to do not follow those things that are dangerous in the world.
That is why I said dancing is a good thing to do.
I like Kwaito music, House and Hip Hop.

What is Gender?

2007-12-09T11:11:00.000+02:00

By Halima Omary

Gender is what we are: girls or boys. It is also seen in the traditional roles of males and females in society.

“Stereotyping is the manner in which society influences what we think of the opposite sex,” says Inshaaf Isaacs, a delegate at the MKK 2007.

Socialization forms stereotypes, and we grow up with these and pick them up from our parents and friends.

But in reality, there are very few things that differentiate guys from girls.

The night of the prison tour

2007-12-09T10:59:00.000+02:00

By Halima Omary

The night that we went on a tour of the Maximum Security Prison on Robben Island was a very special night.

The guy who took us around was called Mr Derrick. He was also in prison on the island for five and a half years. He arrested and charged with sabotage.

His father was a teacher and his mother was a domestic worker.

The tour was all about the prison. He showed us the courtyard and told us about the manual labour that the prisoners used to do. They had to chop stone and break it into smaller pieces under the sun. The prison warders would hit the prisoners.

I think the best part was when we were in the prison. He also told us that the prisoners could not have visitors, and on the rare occasions that they did get visitors, it was under very strict conditions because they had to be separated by a piece of glass and no touching was allowed.

Robben Island Quiz

2007-12-09T10:55:00.000+02:00

QUESTIONS
1. What year was Nelson Mandela released?
2. When was Nelson Mandela taken to prison?
3. What was Mandela’s prison number?
4. On what date was Nelson Mandela released from prison?
5. Where was all the hard labor done?
6. What animals are thereon the island?
7. What is the name of the church?
8. What is the name of the ocean that surrounds Robben Island?

ANSWERS
1. He was released on the 11/2/1990
2. On 12th June he was convicted to life in prison.
3. His prison number was 466-64.
4. The 11/2/1990
5. The hard labour was working in the time stone quarry and braking from big stones in to small 6. Springbok and Ostrich
7. The Church of the Good
8. The Atlantic Ocean

Hip-Hop a favourite at MKK

2007-12-09T10:28:00.000+02:00

By Jameel Webster

All the delegates have had the pleasure of experiencing a new introduction to this year’s Media Kidocracy Konfrence with the Hip-Hop Dance sessions.

The “Dance Web” dance company who were brought on board by UNICEF has brought in a new, fun way for children to learn about there rights.

The first dance session started on Wednesday night and it came along with a theme which was “The Right to Life”.

The second session on Thursday had the same theme but it changed to “You have the Right to a Family” when the third session started on Friday morning.

In my opinion the dance sessions were really fun and everyone participated enthusiastically. I especially enjoyed the demonstrations that one of the “Dance Web” dancers (Tumi Tladi) gave and also I enjoyed the Hip-Hop dance battles between group one and group two which took place on Saturday night.

“It’s been really awesome, and I’m really proud of these guys,” says owner of Dance Web/choreographer, Craig Bullock.

“I hope that the kids learn from the dance sessions and that the dance and drama piece bring the message across of the rights of a child that will continue beyond MKK,” says Bullock.

Never a dull moment for MKK delegates

2007-12-09T07:34:00.000+02:00

By Jameel Webster

Even once they had completed their production pieces, the MKK delegates always had something to do to keep them busy.

In this case there’s the MKK banner which is designed for that exact purpose. Everyone was allowed to pitch in and put a little piece of their creativity onto the banner.

One of the MKK Facilitators, Chad Roberts was responsible for the basic outline of the banner, but other delegates also lent a helping had.

The end product is really cool and everyone seems more than satisfied with how it came out.

The banner will be put up at the new UNICEF office which opened in Cape Town.

A word about YOU SAID IT! The MKK newsletter

2007-12-09T07:27:00.000+02:00

By Nokutula Neka

Media Kidocracy Konference is hotter and hip with loads of African flavour , the island way! This issue of You Said It will be giving you a closer look at all the activities and fun events that happened on Robben Island with children from around the African continent like Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo fighting for the same dream. Lets all speak Africa with the help of Bush Radio and UNICEF!

The Media Kidocracy Konference is going for the 8th time around, each year trying to find solutions for problems that seem to jeopardise the future of young people.

There is everything for everyone including those with lost souls, those who are trying to figure out who they are, those who are confused about sexuality, not knowing much about global warming, those who are not sure what virginity testing is all about and circumcision and those who are sick of being judged by how they look or dress by society.

The Media Kidocracy Konference also helps children to be more aware of child labour, trafficking and their rights, including when they are in prison so that the won’t be abused, neglected, unheard, violated and so that you can stand up for your right and let no one walk over you like a doormat.

Everyone was shocked when the well known musician Danny K with supermodel girlfriend Lee-Anne Liebenberg. Danny K gave a speech about supporting children’s media and how he would like to see young people living their dreams and how we should keep focused on making a difference so that this world can be better!

With all the knowledge you will be pimped, with respecting everyone as they are because we are all different!

Love yourself because if you don’t, no one will do that for you!

The rights of the child according to Unicef

2007-12-09T05:16:00.000+02:00

By Prisca Mupati

The United Nations convention on the rights of the child - this means we have agreed to obey special rules how children should be treated all over the world. If we do not obey the rules we will be in a lot of trouble at the United Nations.
Every child in the world have the right to education, nobody can take those rights away from you. Make sure you know about them.
Respect the rights of others. Help us to build the future of our country.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN AFRICA
The children’s rights are important as it touches every aspect of children’s lives.
In the summary, African children have:
-The right to education.
-The right to be protected.
-The right to expression.
-The right to be heard.
-The right to healthy food.
-The right to shelter.
-The right to religious.
-The right to be responsible.
-The right to privacy.
-The right of child with disability.
-The right not to work under age of 16.
-The right to be treated equal.
-The right to development.

The convention on the rights of African children
By Wezi Chirwa
There were many reasons why the United Nations was very worried about children and felt they needed extra-special rights.
The United Nations is convinced that children grow best in a family or home where they can be happy, loved and understood. This means that families and those who look after children must be protected so that they can look after their children and help them grow.

The children need to grow up in a way that will make them responsible adults and members of their countries. They should be taught to live in the world in peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and unity.

Many different international documents and declarations have called for the special care welfare, treatment and protection of children. It makes sense to write them all down in one document - a document for children only.
.Some countries have not adopted the rights of children - Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mali and Zimbabwe. The children in these countries live in very difficult conditions. It would be good sense to have a special convention on the rights of children

What is child labour?

2007-12-09T05:15:00.000+02:00

By Elie Tshitenge

Child labour consists of all types of work performed by children up to the age of 18 years that is damaging to their health, physical being, mental intelligence or moral and social development. Child labour can also be when the trafficking a child and forcing him or her to work, or sell drugs for example.

However, child work includes activities that are not harmful, which may contribute to the healthy development of a child, for example, helping your parents to wash the car, or in the kitchen or in their shop.

My message to parents is that they must warn their children.

Animal life on the island

2007-12-09T05:13:00.000+02:00

By Thandiwe Mnyateli

Robben Island is not only home for the local’s livings on the island, but for animals too. On the island there are penguins, rabbits and bucks. Some of the animals started living here in the 17th century.

“There are people who lived on the island before the animals. The people would hunt for the animals causing them to runaway,” said Vuvu Mayongo.

People who live here now just love animals the way they are, because they don’t hunt for the animals.
“The animals are now free because there is no one hunting for them,” said Mayongo.

Animals are not fed by the people living on the island because they eat grass. Some locals say that it is nice living on the island with animals because they are not harmful.

CD Review: Twasa

2007-12-09T04:55:00.000+02:00

By Mfundo Dafeti

Album: Two sides of the story, It was written
Artist: Twasa

Two sides of the story, It was written is Twasa’s second studio album. The album has a mixture of different genres, hip hop, kwaito and gospel that just puts you in the mood for township dancing.

The Sesotho rapper has her first music video out for her first single, Ngiyiphethe, which is receiving lots of radio airplay. Tracks to look out for that will be big this festive season are Ngiyiphethe and Guqa ngedolo.

A few things I didn’t like about the album is the lyrical content is in Sesotho, the beats are very similar and while listening to the album I easily got bored.

2007-12-09T04:34:00.000+02:00

Die Hond
By: Angelo A.K.A BoWiE

Kyk hoe sit die hond op die hoek
Met sy poete gevou
Hy dink is a ou
Ma sy style is so flou
Hy bak n brou
Net soos a ou vrou
Maar hys honger om a been te kou

CD review: Chris Brown

2007-12-09T04:31:00.000+02:00

By Jameel Webster

Artist: Chris Brown
Album: Exclusive
Released: 2007

It’s been a two-year waiting period but fans will be happy to know that Chris Brown’s new album is finally here!

The R&B superstar went all out with this album called “Exclusive”.
This album is his second release to date and it features artists such as T-pain, Kanye West, Will.i.am, the Game, lil’ Wayne, and Big boi.

Producers Swizz beatz and Scott Storch also pitched in to give the album a really cool flavour. This is nothing like his first album and it shows that he’s grown in terms of his music. Die-hard Chris Brown fans will definitely love this new fresh sound. Recommended tracks would be “Wall to Wall”, “Kiss Kiss”, “I’ll call ya”, “Throwed”, “Nice” and “I wanna be”. The lyrics to “Take you down” and “With you” are kind of clichéd but overall I think that it’s a really good album and there’s nothing more to be said than……… Well done Chris!!

MKK opening ceremony

2007-12-09T04:24:00.000+02:00

By Mfundo Dafeti

The Media Kidocracy Konfrence opening ceremony was an event to remember. With entertainment from Bonfire Drama, Tumi and Craig from Dance Web, and a finale from South African award-winning RnB singer Danny K. Everyone was glued to their seats to hear what the popular singer had to say. It was an honour to have guest speaker and board member of Bush Radio Ms Leah Abrahamson and Macharia Kamau from UNICEF.

There was a sad moment for a while when Grace Gire from Sudan spoke about her experience with war and poverty in her country. It was great to hear how optimistic she and Chadia Nyota from Burundi shared their stories about their dreams and about their future.

The highlight of the evening was when RnB singer Danny K performed a single (Real Man) from his new album, and he got the girls melting. Dancer Tumi Tladia and choreographer Craig Bullock from Dance Web showed us some moves that got him in second place at the World Championships in Germany, becoming the first African person to be in that position. After all that fun it was lights out and ready for the following day.

2007-12-09T04:14:00.000+02:00

JOKES! JOKES! JOKES! JOKES! JOKES! JOKES! JOKES!

A cop pulls over a drunk driver. The drunk driver says, "Ossssifer, you need to get your records straight. You just asked me for my license, but you took it away yesterday!"

The most popular man in the world
Bill and Ned walk into a fast food joint one afternoon to get lunch. Bill orders and the cashier gives him his meal. Ned goes up to order and the cashier greets him with "Hello Ned! How are you? Hey everybody! Ned's here!" Everybody in the restaurant comes up and says hello to Ned. After everyone has greeted him, Bill and Ned sit down and begin to eat. "Ned, you're pretty popular!" says Bill. "I'm the most popular man in the world," says Ned.
"Now Ned," says Bill, your pretty popular but you're not the most popular man in the world."
"Oh yeah," Ned replies "I'll bet you a thousand dollars that I'm friends with anybody you can name!"
"That so?" answers Bill, "How about the President of the United States?"
"Let's go!" says Ned.
The two fly to Washington and knock on the front door of the White House. The president answers, "Ned! How are you doing? I haven't seen you in ages!" The three go play a round of golf and then leave.
"That was luck!" says Bill, "Two thousand says your not friends with the Queen of England!"
"Let's go!" says Ned.
The two fly to Buckingham Palace and, sure enough, are greeted by the Queen. ''Hello Ned my boy! What have you been up to these days?" They enter the palace and have some tea and leave.
Frustrated, Bill says, "Double or nothing, you don't know the Pope!"
"Benny!" says Ned, "Let's go!" When they get to the Vatican, Ned instructs Bill to wait outside and Ned will come out on the balcony with his arm around the Pope. After a while, a crowd gathers to hear the Pope speak. And as told by Ned, when the Pope came out, Ned's arm was wrapped around him. Ned looks down from the balcony and see's Bill passed out on the ground. He rushes down and wakes him up.
"Bill! Bill! Wake up!" Bill opens his eyes and says,
"Ned. You're the most popular man in the world."
"I told you that, Bill," says Ned, "but you didn't faint when I knew the President! You didn't faint when I knew the Queen!" "Well I was shocked that you knew the pope”, says Bill. “But I couldn’t take it when the man next to me tapped my shoulder and said “ who’s up there with Ned?”

Brothers
A man walks into a pub and says, "Give me three pints of Guinness, please."
So the bartender brings him three pints and the man proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they're gone.
He then orders three more and the bartender says, "Sir, I know you like them cold, so you can start with one and I'll bring you a fresh one as soon as you're low."
The man says, "You don't understand. I have two brothers, one in Australia and one in the States. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday night we'd still drink together. So right now, my brothers have three Guinness Stouts too and we're drinking together."
The bartender thinks it's a wonderful tradition and every week he sets up the guy's three beers as soon as he enters in the bar. Then one week, the man comes in and orders only two. He drinks them, then orders two more. The bartender sadly says, "Knowing your tradition, I'd just like to just say that I'm sorry that one of your brothers died." The man replies, "Oh, my brothers are fine - I just quit drinking."

Source: www.jokes.com

What is child labour?

2007-12-09T03:20:00.000+02:00

Rights of children in prison

2007-12-09T03:12:00.000+02:00

By Idi Karriem Omary

There are a number of reasons for children being in prison, e.g. drugs, crime and pregnant mothers giving birth, etc.

Some children are in prison because they were born in prison, and their mothers was pregnant when she went to prison. As the result, some of UN Convention right for children may have been violated. Such as:
Article 6
All children have the right to life. Government should ensure that children survive and develop healthy. Because if a baby born in prison, he/she will not have a healthy development and upbringing as you would when you were not in prison.
Article 7
All children have the right to legally registered name, the right to nationality and the right to know and, as far as possible, to be cared for by their parents. Because at the age of 3 they are removed from their mother and they are placed in foster care - as a result your name will only be legally registered after 3years.
Article 16
All children have right to privacy. Because whether you were born in prison or sentence to juvenile sentence and have is a total lack of privacy, upholding of customs and religious traditions.
Article 19
Government should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. Because government cannot always ensure that children in prison are properly cared for as far as evidence, abuse and negleat goes internal fighting, gang violence and abuse from fellow in mates.

I think mothers must be more involved with the community and be able to teach and educate their mothers-to-be.

Effects of global warming

2007-12-09T03:00:00.000+02:00

By Ricky Ortell

Due to global warming the ozone layer is being destroyed and the sun's heat on Earth has gone higher.

When the suns heat went higher it melted the ice caps in the North Pole and caused the sea to rise and the polar bears to lose there homes — resulting in them having to find new little places to live. When the factories burn coal to make energy, they cause green house gasses to go into the air.

Because gases and most coals are used so often, these recourses are doing damage to the environment. Since the water has risen it might just cover Robben Island with water in maybe 12 or 15 years, making only Table Mountain an island to live on if we do nothing about it now!

Where does Robben Island get their supplies?

2007-12-08T05:25:00.000+02:00

By Angelo Bowers

On Robben Island there is only one shop which is mainly used by the local people of Robben Island and workers.

The Robben Eiland Ledewinkel stocks normal supplies like bread, milk, sugar and butter. The shop gets their supplies from the Waterfront in Cape Town. The goods are transported by boat from the Waterfront to Robben Island. The shop normally gets their supplies from Makro in Cape Town, the bread from Sasko and dairy products from Dairy Bell.

The shop only supplies small amounts like, for example, at a big shop you can a 5 kg sugar and at the Ledewinkel they only stock 2.5 kg and they don’t over stock. On the mainland bread is cheaper but a 1,5-litre cooldrink is more expensive on the mainland.

The island also has leaded and unleaded petrol pumps, and a diesel pump. The only vehicles allowed on the island are the Robben Island vehicles.

The unleaded is at the transport department, and the leaded and diesel pumps are at the shop.

Some people who work at the shop and petrol station don’t work weekends and normally leave the island.