Teens Talk about Human Rights

Project to improve human right sensibility of teens through film

The Y-Teen department organized a project to improve human right sensibility within teens through film. 70 Y-Teen members met on Saturday afternoon (September 7^th) to see a film on human rights and to share each other’s thoughts.

Before watching the movie, the bill of rights for students (an ordinance established by each school board to ensure student dignity and worth in school curriculum) was observed with the members. Next, the PD and writer of the film, Esther Kang, explained how and from what perspective the film should be looked at.

                 

“This film considers the question ‘What changes are happening in school after the 2010 Gyeonggi student human rights ordinance was enacted?’ The film further looks at arguments and the current human right ordinance by observing conversations, and conflicts that happens between professors and students in a classroom at Gyeonggi High School. As you watch the film, think about the different situations that are happening in your school.”

New Changes in School

The film takes place in Gyeonggi province showing a very familiar image of high school. After the student human right ordinance was enacted, the film shows images of students going to school and the individualized and personalized uniforms and hairstyles. No punishment was given even if students fell asleep or used their cell phone during class. Every month, students and teachers that received the most penalty marks went climbing at Mt. Jirisan. The principle memorized all of the students’ names and greeted each and every student when they came to school. During the film, interviews were inserted showing the difficulties that students and teachers undergo and professional commentaries which further portrayed the message the film was trying to deliver.

After the film was over, questions students had about the film was written down on memos. Different questions such as “Was there any scene that was staged?” “Did the protagonist of the film go to college?” “Was the film made because someone asked it to be made or was it made voluntarily?” were some of the questions that were asked. The film’s director Esther Kang responded to each question thoroughly and added that she wanted to portray each of the student’s and the teacher’s position. Teenagers responded positively saying that they didn’t have the chance to encounter documentaries so it was a new and refreshing opportunity, and that they hope the film is shown in school as an opportunity to further reflect about the image of school.”

Anyone who is a teenager is welcome

Any teenager living in Seoul could participate in this program that tries to increase sensibility on teenage human rights. Human right sensibility is improved naturally by watching a human rights film, and discussing the meaning of the film with the director and writer of the film. Starting from September, 3 films are prepared which will be shown on October 12 (Saturday. ), and November 9^th (Saturday. ).

Those who wish to participate should register at the SeoulYWCA homepage and call us at 3705-6009.