Brussels, September 7, 2009 (SIGNIS) – The SIGNIS World Congress 2009 is to emphasize the creativity of children and young people through the organization of a Children’s Workshop and the presence of an international team of young Video Journalists.

Coordinators of the Children’s Workshop (from left to right): Bernard Canaberal, Marose Yuzon and Del Hernandez

“Children’s Voices on the Rise” is a workshop for and about children on their rights in today’s digital world. With the help of Del Hernandez, Marose Yuzon and Bernard Canaberal from the Philippines, about 100 children from 3 Chiang Mai schools will learn to understand and appreciate their rights, analyze and reflect on the violations of their rights as children, and creatively express their thoughts and feelings through different media activities. The workshop will run from October 18 to 21 at the Empress Convention Centre.

From October 17 to 21, 10 young people aged 18 to 22 from Thailand, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines will take part in the SIGNIS Video Journalists (VJs) project. Under the guidance of professional communicators, the VJs will cover the activities of the Congress and produce daily video reports. The project aims to offer the VJs a unique media training experience which will foster collaboration and team spirit and develop a critical awareness of issues on Children’s and Human Rights.