It’s time to get creative
KWN (Kid Witness News) is a global video education program supported by Panasonic that aims to boost creativity, enhance communication skills and foster teamwork through the art of film production by children at the primary and secondary school levels. More than 150,000 children around the world have participated in the KWN program since it first began in the U.S. in 1989.
As of September 2011, around 10,000 children from 688 schools in 28 countries/regions have participated in the last year.
The KWN program encourages students to get creative in the real-life application of key skill sets such as written and oral communication, teamwork, critical thinking and project management.
Providing a platform for experimental learning in the classroom, KWN encourages students to work cooperatively with their peers and apply a variety of skills to communicate with others.
The program provides teachers with an education rich program which enhances students learning and achievement through technology.
Under instruction from teachers on scriptwriting, acting, and the use of filming and editing equipment, students make five minute videos that fall into specific categories including, drama, documentary, news and a current affairs, animation, entertainment, music, science and technology, health, sport, comedy and art.
The creative works are then submitted for judging in the annual New Vision Awards video contest.
Prizes are awarded for technical excellence in sound, editing, videography, writing and concept, as well as to state and national winners. A panel of industry representatives determine the winners.
The 2011 Judging Panel industry experts included; The Campaign Palace Chief Creative Officer – Reed Collins; One of Australia's most successful young film directors - Khoa Do; INXS Lead Guitarist - Tim Farriss, one of Australia's best young actors – Luke Carroll; Panasonic Managing Director - Steve Rust and KWN Ambassador - Toni Pearen.