V.D.O. Makers

Objectives

The project “V.D.O. Makers – Visibility Doers for Organisations” was conceived to address the urgent need of partner organisations to equip their youth workers with essential skills and competencies in effectively promoting their activities, attracting wider participation, and providing these valuable tools to the young people they worked with. The project was specifically designed to enhance the quality of youth work by developing these competencies in video production.

Throughout the training course, held from May 26 to June 1, 2022, in Tskaltubo, Georgia, participants immersed themselves in the world of video production. They learned about every aspect of the process and gained hands-on experience in creating professional-quality videos that are both sustainable and affordable for non-profit organisations. The training aimed to improve media literacy, boost communication and promotion effectiveness, and develop practical skills in all stages of video production. The ultimate goal was to empower participants to produce impactful promotional videos for local organisations and social initiatives.

Activities

The training course spanned 8 days and was designed to be highly practical, with participants engaged in various exercises and assignments. The program included online pre-tasks to familiarize participants with mobile applications used during the course, as well as intensive hands-on activities during the training itself.

The 24 participants from 7 different countries met the following criteria:

• Youth workers, trainers, or volunteers connected to the sending organisations;
• At least 18 years old;
• Proficient in English to participate effectively in an intercultural environment;
• Interested in video production;
• Motivated and committed to engaging in all phases of the project, including preparation, activity, and dissemination;
• Prepared to apply the acquired competencies in dissemination and follow-up activities.

The project was inclusive, ensuring equal access for all genders, including those who do not identify with a specific gender or are part of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Impact

During the project, participants achieved the following objectives:

• Developed knowledge about media literacy;
• Enhanced their and their organisations’ effectiveness in communication and promotion of social initiatives;
• Acquired practical skills in all stages of video production;
• Made the media production process both sustainable and affordable for non-profit organisations;
• Improved teamwork and creativity skills under time pressure.

Participants produced promotional videos for local Georgian non-profit organisations and social initiatives, including videos with social messages promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These videos were used as exercises during the training and as dissemination material afterward.

After returning to their home countries, participants continued to apply what they had learned by producing promotional videos for their sending organisations or social initiatives they were connected to, creating a total of twelve videos shared across the seven countries involved.

The project also had a notable national impact, with one of the trainers, along with a local NGO representative, featured on national television in Georgia to discuss the project. A video summary of the activity was created and showcased during the farewell party, highlighting the project’s achievements and the participants’ experiences.