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What?

KICK IT UP! will begin by establishing the Global Girl Training Academy, where a select group of 20 girls will be put through a challenging journalism program. This academy will pair the girls with seasoned broadcasters and journalists and train them in responsible, solutions-based journalism training. They will also be exposed to editing, story writing, web 2.0 basics, on-air media training, and opearting a HD digital video at the Global Girl Academy, based in Soweto, South Africa.

Then, during the World Cup (June 11-July 12, 2010) the Global Girl Team will be divided into 5 teams of 4 girls each (divided into broadcast, print, etc) who will then produce videos, blogs, new media and print content for digital upload and distribution on a wide range of topics including:

• World Cup 2010 Impact and Coverage
• Girls and Sports/Leadership Development
• Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Justice and Reproductive
Rights
• Educational and Career Opportunities
• Cultural Identity, Music, and the Arts

All of these materials will be made available on GGM’s interactive website so that it can inspire and generate discussion among viewers. GGM will also be using its partnerships with The Press Institute among others to maximize the distribution of the girls’ reporting to on-line popular sites.

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Why?

The internet and new media technologies have created unprecedented opportunities, opening a world of possibilities for education, communication and activism on a global scale. Yet these opportunities are still only available to those with the financial and educational resources necessary to participate. Global Girl Media has chosen to address this “digital divide” by supplying the equipment, education and support necessary to empower young women in Soweto's marginalized community with critical thinking, technical and leadership skills necessary to take part in what is arguable the world’s largest sporting event, the 2010 World Cup, that is to be held for the first time on the African continent this summer.

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How?

The girl who will be sponsored by this project will be selected from among students participating in Teboho Trust's educational support programs. She will be chosen according to her strengths in the following areas: spoken English, demonstrated interest in media and/or journalism, strong writing and creative skills, and in good standing within the program.

Once selected, this young woman will attend the Global Girl Academy. The academy's curriculum has been developed in partnership with The Press Institute, a four-year-old international NGO that uses journalism as a development tool in order to create strong, professional female reporters that can increase access to critical global issues from a female perspective.

Key parts of the 10-day curriculum will include:

• What makes a good story? The elements of
journalism.
• Production skills, including hands-on experience
with HD video camera and sound equipment,
lighting, including introductory postproduction
and editing
• On-air talent training.
• Exposure to cross platform digital technologies.
• Instruction in the rules of football, key teams,
players and participants in the 2010 World Cup.

During the World Cup, GGM will use its media connections with the Huffington Post, Alternet, CCMC PUSH Journal, Women’s Enews, Feministing, Jezebel, WorldPulse.org, teen.com, etc, as well as the official websites for ESPN, SuperSports Channel, FUEL TV, Soccerpages and FIFA’s official website to ensure the 20 participants’ coverage of the competition is maximized.

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History of Soweto

Historically, Soweto was a government relocation community to keep the apartheid system intact. After the fall of apartheid, basic social services such as electricity, running water, health and quality education was slow to come, but there has been progress, especially within the last five years. The 2010 preparations for the World Cup have brought some development and jobs to the community, including a brand-new sports stadium and high-speed bus transportation system, but many young people have yet to see an immediate impact on their day-to-day situation.

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Community Population: 500

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Climate

South Africa typically has a temperate climate, a warm “summer” season from November through March, followed by a colder “winter” season, from April through October.

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Challenges facing Soweto

The main issue for many in Soweto is poverty, which stems from a systemic lack of training and good jobs, a legacy of apartheid. Teens are dealing with a litany of troubles associated with growing up in impoverished or under-served communities: systemic violence, drugs, gangs, lack of ambition, poor self-esteem, high rates of unemployment, HIV-infection, breakdown of family structures, etc.

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