Manual en ingl.s tif
Transcription
Manual en ingl.s tif
PRESENTATION D efence of the Children International, DCI Costa Rica, concerned about the situation of the rights of Children and Adolescents in Costa Rica, specifically the labour of children and adolescents, has established diverse alliances with key players and has united strengths that may have a major impact on their actions. Within that line, a strategic alliance has been cultivated since 1997 with the organization Anti-Slavery International of England, with whom they have developed actions to attend to the problem of child domestic labour, and for the ratification and agreed application of Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. This program is being developed simultaneously in 6 countries (India – Tamil Nadu, Togo/Ghana, Costa Rica, Pakistan and Kenya) and has the objective of contributing to an effective reduction of the worst forms of child labour through suitable actions and working together with governments, civil society workers in general, and social organizations. The ratification on the part of Costa Rica of Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, through the law no. 8122-A of the 10th of September, 2001, results in a valuable complement to already nourished legislation on childhood and adolescence of this country. In agreement with what is established by the law, Costa Rica must identify the dangerous work that is done by the children of the country and also to define what is indicated in article 3.d):“work that, by its nature or the conditions in which it is carried out, is probably dangerous to the health, the security or the morality of the children.” 3 To contribute to this process, we have carried out information spaces and discussions with social organizations, with trade unions, with employers and we have counted with the participation of the International Organization of Labour and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Besides these groups, we believe that the mass media of communication plays a key role and it is for that reason that through this manual titled:“Training Manual for achieving effective communication between based non governmental organizations, NGOs, and the media regarding the rights of working children in Costa Rica”, we have wanted to contribute to find a different form of this relationship which will permit a fluid and effective transfer of information, and thus to allow the prevention of situations where the rights of children are violated, with a particular emphasis on situations of labour exploitation. This manual is complemented by a document called “Reflections on the contributions on the discussion of child and adolescent labour issues from the experiences that have been developed in Costa Rica” Virginia Murillo Herrera Defensa de Niñas y Niños – Internacional, DNI Costa Rica 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 6 I - Message Multipliers 9 II - Organization’s profile 11 III - How to reach the media? 19 IV - Who is behind the scenes? 23 V - Prepare a list of media! 25 VI - Case studies and records 26 VII - Bibliography 33 VIII - Annexe 34 5 “Prepare yourself to convince”(1) INTRODUCTION Defence of Children International (DCI), with the support of the Anti Slavery organization, is promoting this manual to improve the relationship between the Costa Rican media and local non-government organizations that work to protect the rights of children and labour exploitation. This proposal deals with the perspective that the media has about information generated by NGOs. Due to the importance of accessing the media, it consists of a quick glance from that side of the sidewalk. With this purpose we made a “convenience (2)” survey with 18 journalists, from different national media. It was a consultation whose results cannot be generalized, because the journalists were selected without statistical criteria but, taking into account their experience, job or media branch. Also taken into account was the observation capacity and experience of the journalists that prepared the manual. The survey also searched for information about the journalists’ concept of child and adolescent labor, specifically about dangerous jobs. For DCI, this document represents an effort to reinforce its communications area. At the same time, it is a contribution to other local NGOs so they can advance in this often neglected field. The manual includes two case studies, one related with domestic child labour and another with child labour in the agriculture sector (where the concepts of this manual 6 (1) The examples of this manual corresponds to child and adolescent labour. (2) Term used for surveys that do not follow statistical norms applies), areas where DCI - CR makes strong efforts. Also, due to the interest of the organization to develop a mechanism to combat child and adolescent labour, especially dangerous forms, we give some important definitions that can be used when working with reporters. For the manual’s purposes, a local NGO is a non-profit entity, independent from government organizations that work in Costa Rica in areas of public interest. It should also be pointed out that there are two types of organizations that work with children and adolescents: direct care, which provide shelter, and those that have an integral conception that includes prevention, protection and defence of their rights. This last group starts dealing with underage persons within the community where they live. Why to convince? Since its foundation in 1994, DCI has centered its efforts on the rights of the children and adolescents.The sensitivity of different sectors of society regarding this subject is one of the most important tools to generate changes in favor of underage persons. Within the key players we find the media, always necessary to transmit a message. Although the press helps sensitize the public opinion, its appreciation of the reality of child labour does not always coincide with the position of the NGOs.These differences provoke criticism and even tension between the parties. Occasionally the nature of the conflict originates in the ignorance about each other’s work. And it is not always easy to reach the media. Often those in charge of these relations complain, and insist, that the space dedicated to defend the rights of children and adolescent is insufficient. If the NGO is international, with many member countries, access is easier because there is more experience and resources accumulated. However, sometimes even in these cases the NGO does not succeed in spreading its message. 7 Unfortunately when the organization is small the route to the media is even more complicated. This search for a spot in the national information agenda does not correspond only to a wish to reinforce the NGOs image. It is more of a channel to implement the access to adequate information that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child included: “The social media have an important role in spreading the information destined to children, and its goal is to promote their moral welfare, knowledge and understanding among different peoples and respect for the child’s culture” (3) . That is why this manual is important. It is a contribution to the local NGOs’s efforts in the area of child and adolescent human rights. Djenane Villanueva Manual Coordinator Member,Advisor Committee, Defence of Children International DCI – COSTA RICA (3) International Convention of the Rights of Children and Adolescents I - Message Multipliers How to increase the spreading of a message? Is the media the most efficient tool for this, or is it better to transmit the information directly, person to person? If after analyzing these questions the decision points toward the media, which is the most adequate means to communicate what you want, what is the impact in Costa Rica? These are questions any NGO must analyze when going near the media. Below are the main considerations, so you can take a decision based on media circulation and/or coverage. “Fourth power” Qualified by some theoreticians of social communication as the “four power of the Republic”, the media, as a whole, maintains an important credibility in Costa Rican public opinion. According to several opinion surveys, besides the Church and Universities, the media leads the majority of favorable opinions. It even surpasses the positive image of the first power of the Republic: the Legislative Assembly. In other words, what journalists say is more credible than the speeches given by elected representatives. We must not forget that the media are for-profit enterprises -and this focus leans towards the possibility of presenting sensationalist reports.They also have economic ties with other productive activities.The public recognizes positively the social function and the counterbalance of the media to public actions. 9 Being written or electronic –television, radio or Internet– in many cases, the media is the ideal channel for any organization to multiply the validity and coverage of its message. Leadership According to the study “Reach of the CR media“ in the written press, La Nación maintains the leadership in this field. Each week about 559.900 adults read it, and that is 60% more than second place. During Sundays its audience reaches up to three times that any other Sunday journal.(4) Diario Extra reaches an average of 350.700 adults, followed by Al Día – part of the La Nación Group – with around 304.800 readers. In the mornings the preferred radio for news is Radio Reloj, followed by Columbia and Monumental. As the day progresses Radio Reloj is caught (and even slightly surpassed) by radio Columbia. News is the fourth reason to listen to the radio, after romantic music, tropical music and religious programs.(5) Television news are the main reason to sit before the screen. Channel 7 News has 64% of the preferences; channel 6 reaches 29% of the audience, but with a sustained growth in the last few years. Others like channel 4 and CNN are hardly ever mentioned. Nevertheless, there is a tendency to see less local TV and more cable TV as the socioeconomic level of the population rises. Rural Zone You must not forget there is considerable media outside the metropolitan area.Their reach has not been measured in these type of studies, but their effectiveness, although in reduced numbers, could be increased due to their public’s homogeneity -they could be interested in reading, seeing and listening more about the particularities of their rural reality. 10 (4) Market study, La Nación newspaper, Costa Rica, 2002. (5) Idem. “On line” With certain frequency about 263.300 people connect to the Internet from homes, work, a “cyber café” or education center. News is the fourth reason to connect, after amusement, music or education-related. Eight of every ten users visit La Nación’s web page. One-third of the users visit, regularly, other Costa Rican pages, but not necessarily news. Knowing the level of circulation and audience of a particular media channel is essential determinant to optimize efforts, save time and resources. II - Organization’s profile To spread a message in the media is necessary to have a brochure that summarizes the mission, the vision, the objectives, the lines of action and the funding its financing of the organization. This document, sometimes folded, is very important to establish contacts with local and national media. It is a key presentation card, and the starting point for any following relationship. Is also an efficient tool to let your work be known, and position yourself as an entity that takes care of children and adolescents. Generally, this presentation is used in the following cases: Contacts Starting a specific plan Publicizing the results of projects or research Special publications or annual memories If the organization is little known, or has recently started to work, this information will be the starting point to build its credibility (opinion of the polled journalists). 11 What are the journalists interested to know about NGO‘s to be able to cite them as a source? Names of their members. Nature of its work Source of its financing Previous actions and their results Country of origin, if there is one. Source: Survey of journalists Who are we? All NGOs must have a clear profile and a defined style: advocacy, academia, public attorneys, monitoring international agreements, representative of other organization, etc., before considering a relationship with the media. The more explicit you are in transmitting this information –“even if it may be considered private inside the organization”- the NGO will receive a warner welcome and more credibility in the news world. Yes, but ... The journalists surveyed approve NGO‘s work in Costa Rica,. nevertheless, they condition the interview to previous knowledge of how they finance themselves, the quality of their members and the results obtained by previous actions and how easily you transmitted it. NGOs are viewed as the part that, in specific subjects, provides what is missing between the State’s function and the actions of private enterprises. Even communicators praise the NGOs rejection of profits and their independence in relation with the State’s work. Still, they maintain a dissimilar image of a group of “specialists working to help vulnerable groups” but also “an office full of specialists that only change data from year to year to cash a check for the consulting job they got”, as said by a La Nación journalist. Adding to the negative aspect were other descriptions like “too much of an office”. 12 Keep in mind that most communication professionals evade a straight answer to the question:Are NGOs a trusted source? The majority’s position was “Yes…but”. It is impossible to change this image immediately, but you can rebuild it through time with a policy of transparency in every action. Give it anyway Maybe, due to the pressure of time, a journalist will not always request the basic information of the organization. News comes very quickly and sometimes it will not be published for lack of space. Nevertheless, if you give him/her the data that s/he forgot to ask for, he will respect and recognize you. The data is also a reminder of the NGO’s presence among the group of informative resources. To show that disposition to openness, in the case of a press delivery (See: how to reach the media), it is recommended to dedicate the last paragraphs -or a segment of what was written- to highlight that information. In an interview for radio, television or written press it is advisable to give the interviewer concise information about the organization’s profile on a sheet of paper or in a folder. 13 More than a complement Do not forget that, in the news production process and from the journalist’s point of view, in many cases the informative role of the NGO is a complementary one, to broaden information. That means that, before the information of an NGO is considered, generally there should exist a fact, an antecedent, or a previous declaration of a government that has made the subject an interesting one. The NGO’s contribution also is another perspective of an official discourse or an occasional fact. In reality, the media converts the position of an NGO in news only when there is a strong denunciation with proof, or even a legal demand before the corresponding authorities. Also, when an NGO publishes a study or research with revealing data. There is the possibility of becoming the generator of a slower flux of information when the media wants the criteria of a “specialist”. It is possible that in the written media there are more possibilities of a deeper analysis because the news’s production process is slower than that of television or radio. Nevertheless, in these last two electronic media, there is also the option to participate in opinion or interview spaces. Capacity to answer It is necessary that NGOs analyze their ability to answer regarding a specific subject –study, results or NGO valorization– or a fact from another origin but related with childhood and or adolescence. Prepare yourself in the following way: Have visual material to illustrate the information without risking the integrity of persons less than 18 years old . Speak with the children, adolescents -and their families– involved in the project, to know their disposition towards an interview. The history, the face behind the numbers, are important elements to journalists, and should also be for 14 the objectives of an NGO that is interested in its message reaching the general audience. It is not the same to register data as to illustrate it with live examples. (6) Remind journalists about the limitations established by the Children and Adolescent Code with respect to the protection for the image. React in time Other sectors of society, such as entrepreneurs or government entities may possibly react to an NGO declaration. Have a new response ready that coincides with the organization’s general position. Always offer a second reaction to the journalist. Recognize the positive aspects of the other social agents but, with the same vehemence, point out deficiencies and challenges. (6) The Childhood and Adolescent Codex establish clear penal prohibitions for using the names and images and of underage persons. Consul it. 15 Widen your possibilities to react A fact related to the protection of children and adolescents can become a topic in the journalist’s agenda. You must have presence in the media. Imagine the following headlines ... 1. “Less children go to school”. You can compare the information with the increment of agriculture child labour or the greater number of street beggars. This analysis can be the basis of a communiqué. 2. “Migrant girl is pregnant”. Offer statistical information about the situation of teenage pregnancies, or denounce the lack of government commitment on the subject. Provide other perspectives to analyze the information, for instance sexual abuse. 3. “Adolescent in serious condition after tractor overturns”. Reveal actual information about child and adolescent labour in agriculture. Cite the number of underage persons who drop out of school to work in hazardous conditions. Speak when you have important things to say. Generate constant research that explains the rights of the working children and adolescents, and be critical. But do not take the risk of providing unsubstantiated information. Avoid being surprised when discussing an issue. Who speaks? Even the smallest organization should have some people to act as speakers. They should be professional, with enough authority and credibility to address the media taking into account the following recommendations: 16 Speak clearly Get to the point Demonstrate mastery of the subject and avoid hesitations Make decisions quickly Train yourself to follow the previous recommendations by answering questions from your office companions.Write what you want to say and polish it! If you do not know details, promise an answer in the shortest possible time; do not lie and deliver. Do not expect to receive the questions you want. You cannot teach a journalist how to cover a story. It is important that the speaker reflect stability within the NGO. It is not convenient that the speaker is changed often. You have to invest in her/his preparation and in an image. Nevertheless, that person should have a substitute. The organization should have at least two or three people with the same capabilities. The way in which you tackle the subject is just as important as the content itself. In this respect, one of the journalist surveyed said that often NGO specialists forget that the media “does not have time to listen to a post-graduate thesis”. Why is what Iˆm saying important? Not everything produced by NGO‘s can be of public interest. On occasions the meeting of small groups, the posters or the visits to homes are more effective channels of communication than a visit to a national media. That is why it is convenient that, before contacting a journalist, the organization asks itself: Why is what I want to transmit important? The information sent to one member of the media is not necessarily fit to print. Maybe your interest is to inform the journalist of a project that, in the long run, may have results of public interest. 17 Nurture a relationship “Contact without harassing”. That was the answer of a surveyed journalist when asked for suggestions to improve the communication between NGOs and the media. This is a valid consideration for those organizations that insist with the publication of a particular subject. “Harassing”! can generate a barrier between both sides. It is more effective to ask if a subject or activity is considered of interest; than to offer personnel to attend consultations at any moment. Sometimes is the opposite: you send a communication and you do not follow up on it. The minimum is to assure yourself that the information arrived. It is important that journalists know the organization, its projects and its personnel. It is advisable to make contacts via e-mail or a phone call. With time and good public relations, the media will come to NGO members without the need to look for them. However, before you can position the topics dealing with children and adolescents, use documents and background material that guarantee your professional work. Make efforts to know the journalists who publish about the subject of children and adolescents, if any. If there are none, contact the chiefs of information. In rural areas do the same. They are very effective in certain contexts. Do not exclude them. One of the journalist said, “that they know us and know our reality”. 18 (7) Costa Rica must fulfill its compromise with the Human Rights legislation over childhood and adolescent that has signed and ratified. Specifically the Convention, its two facultative protocols and the international instruments on the matter. III - How to reach the media? Traditionally, the press conferences have been the main channel for an NGO to express its position to the media. Nevertheless, that model is losing effectiveness, among other reasons, due to the competition among media enterprises to obtain exclusive news. In fact, journalists now prefer exclusive interviews, or personal contact (mainly by email), as the ideal form to receive information. This means that you have to bet on the establishment of a relationship with the journalist or reporter to get space in a certain media. You should not forget that it is possible to choose, or combine, ways to reach the press -through interviews, in person, by phone or via the Internet and/or press releases. The selection of any of those options will depend on the time you have, the wish to appear alone in a space in detriment of the majority of the media enterprises, of the relevance of the subject -and, of course, of the benefits of a personal relation with a reporter. 19 Press Conference A general calling of the majority of the press must correspond to a transcendental announcement. If, for instance, the purpose is the formation of a committee, a social activity or a public campaign, it will provoke a negative reaction from the reporters. If a press conference is needed, remember that, after the presentation of the members of the table, short interventions by each one of them and the periods of questions from the journalists, you have to allow additional space so the media can talk,“privately”, with the people of the organization over the same subject or related subjects. Some media request that their journalists do their questioning apart from their colleagues, and generally at the end of the activity to obtain a wider panorama and an original point of view. If final additional private questions at the end of the activity are not possible, it is recommendable that you communicate this in an explicit way at the beginning of the activity -and the reasons must be very convincing. In case there is that “parallel” and personalized conference, there is no need to mention it, because it is normal practice for the Costa Rican press. Press conferences are not always an adequate way to attract the attention of the media. It is important to promote your own agenda, show trends, call attention about a particular piece of legislation, or advocate, to mention three possibilities. 20 Press Conference. Take into account: When you call, have a complete list of the media. Confirmation of assistance is important, but do not obsess over it. Do not harass. The selection of the date and time must take into account the schedule of the news programs. If there is a TV news program at the end of the afternoon – prime time – do not organize the activity half an hour before. Radio reporters have more facility to broadcast from the site of the conference. The audience for electronic media goes down on Fridays. Regarding the written press –facing the weekend – you could get more space due to a reduction in the government’s activity, and because the in-between agenda is lighter. Outside of the technical knowledge of the NGO speaker, it is important to use a live testimony. Place a symbolic element (poster, logo, screen, etc.) so the photographer can have a creative space when taking pictures. Give some written materials with data about the members, the NGO’s trajectory, its financing and other programs currently being executed. Press release Another form to reach the media consist in the drafting of information and the frequent mailing of the main findings of the NGO’s programs. In case they are published, most of them will re-elaborate the information. It is hard for a press release to be published as it was sent.The reporters and information chiefs are against transcribing a communication that has to reach several newsrooms simultaneously. In the journalist’s world there are jokes about those media that “copy” these releases –they are valid with respect to professional quality control. In practice, the release is only a “hook” that draws towards a topic that can be of public interest. 21 That is why it can be reinforced with other angles, or illustrated incorporating a daily situation where the person involved –not necessarily related to the NGO– tells his/her story. Here is the media that “copy” the idea without revealing the author. If the NGO’s intention was to draw interest to its area of work, and not to appear in the media, it did succeed. Another possibility is that the release may be filed for later journalistic research that will possibly, include the position of the NGO on the subject. Avoid information that is centered on the organization’s results. Concentrate on concrete matters. Press release What should I obtain? Relevancy. (See: “Why is what I said important?”) Clarity and order. At least, you must answer the traditional questions of the classic schools of journalism: What happened? Why and how did it happen? When? Where? Who says so and how can s/he prove it? Brevity. The description of a fact that requires more than one page must be very relevant. How do we say it? The first paragraphs and the title are the most important elements in the communiqué. If the reader is not held captive from the start –as with the news-, it will be difficult to attain the objective at the end of the text. In a communiqué, you must privilege the daily consequence of the fact(s), not the technical aspects or the formalities that sustain it. Instead of.... Is better... Instead of.... Is better... NGO reveals conclusions about child labor.... Agricultural employers abuse.... Instead of.... Is better... Changes promoted in fishing activities... Minors relieved from fishing... Instead of.... Agreement on agricultural labor delayed... Working children in the agriculture sector with no access to... Is better... 22 Treaty that prohibits mines is signed into international law... Government forced to... Interviews This direct dialog with a reporter can either be live, when transmitted live in media such as radio or television, or taped and edited –valid for the aforementioned media and written means of communication such as newspapers. Interviews can be in person or by means of a communication channel, such as telephone, fax or email. The latter is starting to gain ground among journalists, especially from newspapers. Interview. Questions & Answers Never forget you know more than the journalist about the topic at hand. But prove it! And take into account the following recommendations: Talk or write clearly and concisely. Only mention the background or previous arguments on a topic, but do not dwell on them. Go to the point. Avoid expressions such as “this is a personal view” or “I speak only on my behalf”. Do not forget that You are the face of an organization. Also, journalists may edit those expressions and you would appear as saying the rest in the name of your organization. When speaking on radio or television, express yourself as you would before someone you trust. Forget technical jargon –characteristic in your work relations- and express yourself simply. Spice your story a little bit: use understandable examples and tell about your experiences. Accept interruptions from the interviewer. Breath, retake the idea and go to the point. Talk with your colleagues about the main points to mention, those you can never leave out. IV - Who is behind the scenes? When speaking with a journalist, it is important that you know which role this individual plays in the production process. Generally, the names of the positions are kept with few variations, regardless of the medium (radio, television or newspapers). 23 Director: The Director generally makes the administrative decisions –as a bridge with the owners- as well as editorial choices. She/he communicates daily with the heads of the newsroom to define coverage and pending issues and to evaluate the work done. Since the director is the face of that medium, s/he usually attends lectures, social activities, report presentations, etc. Editor or head of information: The Editor hands out the assignments, checks the wording or format of the news, complements information and coordinates his/her area. Newspapers have areas for national news –economy, politics, rural, cultural, sports, etc.and international news. In Costa Rica, the word “editor” alludes exclusively to written media. In television those tasks are carried out by the head of information. Reporter: S/he represents the direct contact with the information source. It is usual that s/he will go to an agreed location, though they also may use the phone or e-mail to search for information. Although s/he takes orders from the editor, a reporter has a certain margin to decide, suggest or at least promote the coverage of a certain activity, especially when s/he has sources exclusively assigned to him/her. If this is the case regarding issues with children and adolescents, the reporter’s information must be included in the media or journalists list (see further on). Columnist: This person keeps away from the daily news hustle. Sometimes s/he can even work as a contributor and not as an employee. S/he writes on his/her own behalf and can even do so independently with respect to the medium’s editorial view.The columnist is not necessarily a journalist. News producer: In larger television networks, the producer is in charge of coordinating interviews, searching for background material and suggesting the news focus. S/he works hand in hand with the reporters. S/he has not necessarily studied journalism, rather a career related to production or technology. 24 V - Prepare a list of media! It is the starting signal for every NGO to start its relationship with the news media. This is a database that must include the following: Name of the media Name of the journalist Position s/he has in the media Work phone number Mobile/cellular phone number Fax number Postal office box e-mail This list can be sorted by media. The contact information includes the physical address, telephone and e-mail. Afterwards, the data for the director, journalists in charge of the topic, the head of information or the editors. Although sometimes only the data for the reporters is needed, it is important to have a complete data set. In most national news media there is not a reporter assigned to cover NGOs or issues related to the protection of children’s and teenager’s rights. It is even a greater challenge, because you need the data of several journalists from one media. And do not forget to include international news agencies and rural media. Remember... Lists about the media are the initial input needed to form a relationship with the media. (8) Rodolfo Pisoni. Dangerous Child and Adolescent Labor in Costa Rica. IPEC-ILO Program, San Jose, Costa Rica, pag. 13. 25 Context (9) “The project included 50 communities like Quebrada Grande, Colonia, Santa Elena, Guacimal, part of Northern Miramar and Palmital, and others. These are communities in the upper areas of the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces, which belonged to the Maleku aborigine group. The target population would comprise, initially, 1,000 people, but an additional 137 entered during its execution. 65% of the population were children and 35%, adolescents –the latter usually emigrate from the area. At the beginning of the project, 33% of the target population was outside the education system. This figure dropped to 15% at the end of this project. Zamora added that the project confirmed there is a direct link between child labor and poverty. In addition, cultural factors were detected, which justified the existence of child labor. Arguments such as “They are little men. They should work from an early age. I did it. Why won’t they?” were presented. However, this position was held by a minority with respect to outright socio-economic reasons. In these families, up to 90% of the income came from the children, who generally have more options to get jobs –employers prefer this cheaper labor. With respect to their parents, children do not ask conditions; they also “like” working in everything. According to Zamora, in the area, nobody thought child labor was a problem. The awareness campaign allowed this population to understand that child labor perpetuates poverty. It was a two-year process. Now mothers want their children to go to school, a situation that implies an expense.That is why the project has a component of economic alternatives so families can earn income without depending so much on what the children bring. It is estimated that, by next December, a program for micro-credit will be operating, which will be administered by the coffee growers’ cooperatives. The families presented projects with poultry, pork, crafts, tourism, agricultural diversification and selling food. This initiative was born from the agreement between International Program for the Eradication of Child Labor (IPEC) – International Labor Organization (ILO) with the coffee cooperatives. The latter had a protagonist role through the provision of resources and personnel for the project’s follow-up. There was also support from the US Department of Labor and the Ministry of Labor. Besides social awareness, companies had certain economic interests, since the European Union conditions the access of coffee to certain labor norms, like fair wages, social guarantees and the elimination of child labor. Once DCI goes out, the cooperatives will provide follow-up for the project and will manage the credit fund, oriented to the eradication of child labour”. (9) Interview with Juan Carlos Zamora, coordinator of the sensibilization component of project Toji. 27 Personal cases Please remember that talking about cases, that projects human face, is always important, even if you do not use them in the press release. Have them handy to facilitate them to the press. Regarding the Toji project, the following case is included, narrated by the interviewed coordinator. Proposal: “A 16 year-old boy, born in Costa Rica of Nicaraguan parents, only had studies up to second grade. He was practically illiterate and never practiced reading. He had a lot of interest in studying, but due to his age he was not accepted in school. He entered the Ministry of Public Education’s open education program. DCI gave him the books, matriculated him and convinced his parents. In two years this young man finished up to sixth grade. In this area, matriculating implies traveling for a day to Miramar or Monteverde in search of a photocopier. Our boys get discouraged” expressed Zamora. The following lines detail certain proposals, starting with the previous information. Objective to attract the press: Call the media’s attention about the dangers of child labor through the dissemination of the results obtained in one of the projects carried out by DCI. Present the theme as a continuous process and not like a single, isolated fact. Number 1 demands a lot of coordination efforts, more resources and does not guarantee the presence of a numerous group of communicators –even though the news would have a more authentic shade given the contact with the environment. Option 2 would be useful if the interest was to highlight the Treatment possibilities: results of the project in question. 1. Invite the journalists to make a scheduled visit to the area, to show the results with contacts with the children, the coordinators and coffee entrepreneurs. 2. Offer an exclusive interview with one of the participants to one of the strategic media, for example the protagonist of the personal [case / story]. Take into account the local media. 3. Send a press communiqué to stir the media regarding the main results achieved by the project that just finished. Coffee cooperatives from other areas could be included. 28 Justification: Proposal 3 was chosen because we are interested in disseminating the topic among the largest number possible of media with the wish to create empathy towards an issue, which continues even though a specific project dealing with it has just finished. We are interested in the establishment of a solid relationship with the media and the replication of the project in other areas. Press release proposal LABOR December, 2003 Defence for Children International, DCI - Section of Costa Rica Exporters comply with labor norms Children leave coffee plantations for classrooms Half of the 300 children and adolescents, who Coffee growers, who were the ones employing two years ago worked in coffee plantations in these children, will follow up on the results and the upper regions of Guanacaste and will assume the coordination of a credit pro- Puntarenas, have returned to school through a gram to finance economic activities proposed program coordinated by Defence of Children by the families in order to compensate for the International (DCI) and supported by four cof- reduction in the family’s income. Juan Carlos fee growers’ cooperatives, which now position Zamora, coordinator of DCI’s prevention and their coffee in the European Union without fear education component, estimated that children of reprisals because of the use of child labor. and adolescents contributed, in some cases, up to 90% of the family income. The families of 1,137 underage persons who at the beginning thought that “little men DCI –a non-government organization with should work” are now aware of the risks of over 10 years’ presence in Costa Rica- has exe- child labor. Of this population, only one-third cuted similar projects in Coronado and attended school, a ratio that was increased to Cartago. Currently it participates in activities one-half through the Project for the Eradication with children and adolescents from Pavas, San of Child Labor and Protection of Adolescent Carlos and Cartago, among others. If you want Workers in the following coffee cooperatives: more information please call 297 2885 or Coopetilarán, Coope Dos, Coope Santa Elena send an email to the following address: and Coope Montes de Oro. The project was [email protected] supported by IPEC-ILO, the US DOL and the Ministry of Labor. 29 General objective Insert, in the local and national media, the topic of domestic child labor in third houses and distribute the book with their life stories. Proposal Present the book and seminar as part of a process to deal with this subject. By calling this activity, both aspects would be promoted. Efforts would be made to avoid a perception, by communication professionals, that this activity only deserved to be covered at that specific time. Instead, it would be presented as a continuous, recurrent process. Justification Knowing the media’s limitations in terms of space, time and number of journalists, the topic was opened to different approaches. In addition, it was not limited to a press conference, the workshop or the presentation. This was not about a book, or an isolated activity. The book’s presentation was also opened to other key agents in dealing with this issue. They, like the media, operate as message reproducers. Other NGOs and government agencies were invited. Tools List of media Before making the call and the contacts, a list of media was elaborated, including national and rural media and press agencies. Letters An invitation was sent to media directors and editors, with general information on the activities, a brochure about DCI and a booklet with the Code for Children and Adolescents. The letters and the communiqués about the project included data on the organizations that financed the book: IPEC-ILO, Global March and Canadian Cooperation. The books were sent with messenger to the physical addresses, with a checklist of “receipt acknowledged” to make sure the material was indeed delivered. News bulletins News bulletins or press communiqués were sent via fax or email to the media and the journalists. They included photographs and data about the book’s stories. Phone calls Phone calls and personal contacts were used to expend information, with the aim to make sure the information was received and, at the same time, to provide additional data that could serve as feedback on the activity, the book and DCI-CR’s work. List of Questions and Answers (Q&A) This list was distributed among the journalists who covered the issue; it contained questions and answers (10) about child labor, which we included in text boxes for this manual. This information is key to identify the more common concerns, which usually appear whenever this topic is discussed. Answer Both during the book’s presentation and the seminar, we had the support of radio and television news, the press and news agencies. Below we include one of the news bulletins or communiqués sent to the list of media. (10) Answers given in interviews by Virginia Murillo, President of DCI – Costa Rica Section 31 Press release proposal Domestic Child Labor Defence for Children International, DCI - Section of Costa Rica August 6th "I AM LEARNING TO WORK" "My employer tells me I am not working, that I am learning to work". This is part of the story of Maria, a 12-year-old girl who lives in a mountainous area of the Department of Intibucá, in Honduras. In exchange for doing the housework, she receives about 200 lempiras per month, approximately 13 dollars. The presentation will include a context analysis and the percentage represented by domestic child labor with respect to the total population of child workers. But numbers do not tell all: this kind of activity unfolds in a private environment, the home, and statistics do not record all cases. Maria’s story is repeated in all of Central America, where tens of girls and female teenagers leave their homes to work for very little money –or sometimes- in exchange for food and a place to sleep. According to Virginia Murillo, Executive President of DCI – Costa Rica, this is one of the more invisible forms of child labor, one which is hardly considered work –especially if this work is done by underage persons. “This means we have a great task ahead of us, both government institutions and organizations that work for the defence of children and teenagers. We try to sensitize key agents –and society in general- on the need to protect children and teenagers and to find opportunities for them," Murillo stressed. María in Honduras, Diana in Costa Rica, Flory in Guatemala, all them are among the protagonists of “Life Stories”, a document that summarizes the context and experiences of children and adolescents who, since a very early age do housework as domestic servants. The book, elaborated by non-government organizations of Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, with the coordination of Defence of Children International, Costa Rica Section (DCI-CR), will be presented this Tuesday August 6th at 9 a.m. at DCI’s offices in Moravia. This book was possible with the sponsorship of Global March, IPEC-ILO and the Canadian Cooperation. 32 DCI’s offices are located in Moravia, from the Banco de Costa Rica branch office 400 meters East, 100 North, 50 West, 100 North and 10 East (it is not as complicated as it seems), yellow two-story building on the left-hand side. For more information please contact Virginia Murillo at 835 2053. To confirm your attendance please call DCI’s offices at 236- 9134, 297-2885 or 297-2880. VII - Bibliography Convention on the Rights of Children and Teenagers Market study, La Nación newspaper, Costa Rica, 2002. Interview with Juan Carlos Zamora, coordinator, Toji project, DCI – Costa Rica Section, 2003 Interview with Virginia Murillo, President, DNI – Costa Rica Section, 2002 Rodolfo Pisoni. Dangerous Child and Adolescent Labor in Costa Rica. IPEC-ILO Program, San Jose, Costa Rica, 2003 33 VIII - Annexe List of journalists interviewed Name Evelyn Fachler Rubén Rodríguez Miguel Díaz Tomás Zamora Thaís Aguilar Lorna Chacón Marianela Jiménez Circe Villanueva Mario Bermúdez Krisia Ortega Yessenia Alvarado Nelson Murillo Marcelo Castro Lázaro Malvárez Mónica Gómez Vicky Luna Giannina Segnini Ángela Ávalos 34 Position Director,“En persona” (Channel 13) and correspondent for Reuters and Telemundo. Sub-director, Noticias Repretel (Channel 6) Chief of Press, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult Director, Radioperiódicos Reloj Director, Semanario Universidad France Press journalist and correspondent AP correspondent Advisory minister and journalist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult; journalist, Radio Universidad Editor, national news, La República newspaper Journalist, La República newspaper Journalist, Radio América Journalist, El Financiero Chief of Information,Telenoticias (Channel 7); Coordinador of the program Siete Días Chief of Information,Telenoticias (Channel 7) Journalist, Al Día Co-director, Noti 14, San Carlos Coordinator, Research Unit, La Nación Journalist, La Nación