Documenting Child Labor in Nepal

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." – Dr. Jane Goodall

Through digital storytelling and Apple's iMovie video editing program, Roots & Shoots students in Memphis, TN created a digital documentary to raise awareness about the existing child labor in Nepal. They were able to make a difference in an authentic, real-world situation.

In keeping with Dr. Jane Goodall's philosophy that knowledge leads to compassion and understanding which then inspires action, the St. George's high school students in Memphis, TN took steps to raise awareness about the existing conditions in the country of Nepal by creating an iMovie project documenting the situation. Service learning projects are an important and meaningul component of the educational process. They also help to create concerned and responsible global citizens who will work to make a difference in the world. Young people often want to change the world around them, yet do not feel empowered to do so.

The creation of digital video documentaries using technology tools such as
iMovie is one of the methods global connections can be made.
Other enabling technologies such as iSight cameras and iChat AV, blogging, discussion boards, chat rooms, e–mail, etc. can also provide bridges between different cultures in an effort to collaborate and affect change around the world. In this way, cultural understanding is developed among people from different parts of the world.

After completing this project, students will be able to:

• Understand how to effectively research a topic
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will help them manage and use information
• Make connections to content globally and historically
• Identify economic and social problems that exist in Nepal
• Have a cultural understanding of life in Nepal
• Use technology to create a documentary that shares what they have learned
• Take action to effect change

Manoj Gautam, a Roots & Shoots member in Nepal, collaborated with the students at St. George's to create the documentary project they produced about the economic situation that has led to child slavery in that country. Manoj furnished the video for the project that was then produced by St. George's students.

After completing this project, students will be able to:

• Plan and research a topic
• Identify key elements to a problem and create a script and storyboard for a documentary production
• Use a digital camcorder to capture video
• Use iMovie to create a narrated movie
• Publish and share a documentary film

iMovie is an incredible tool for students who are living in today's digital age. Digital video projects provide students with collaborative, team-oriented learning skills that will transfer to tomorrow's workplace. Authentic learning opportunities within project-based units give students meaningful educational experiences which provide for different learning styles. iMovie and digital video are perfect genres for creating public service types of announcements for service learning projects such as Child Labor in Nepal.

• Students can assess each other's documentary project by applying a teacher-created rubric.
• QuickTime versions of the student movies can be added to students' electronic portfolios.

Lessons for Hope is an online service learning curriculum that has been developed by Dr. Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots organization.
The Nepal project correlates with Unit Three of Lessons for Hope. One focus of that unit is the process of choosing an action plan or project for students to implement.