Freire's praxis at the G20: aligning Kids 20 coverage with teacher and student training

The theoretical and practical training sessions are another step in the project which, in an unprecedented way for the forum of the world's largest economies, seeks to include the "future of the countries", as many refer to young people, in the current debates through the active participation of youths as reporters. Both Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia have already hosted meetings with students, teachers, and the G20 coordinators.

The G20 Brasil presidency ends on November 30 this year, when South Africa takes over. But the discussions and experiences with the world's largest economies will live in the memories and practices of the young Kids 20 reporters, including one hundred youth from the Rio de Janeiro state educational system. The students took part in a very special training session with representatives from the G20 and Itamaraty (the federal body that monitors Brasil's international relations), and even "people from television" such as comedian Hélio de La Peña.

The meeting was held at Casa G20 (the G20 House) located across from Ipanema Beach, bringing together approximately 100 students and teachers. Participants learned about the dynamics of the world's largest economies, discussed communication as a personal and professional development tool, and attended training workshops for content production in networks, audiovisual, radio, and press.

In addition to the training sessions, the meeting marks the formal debut of the G20 Youth Reporter Program, created specifically to cover the events and topics covered by the forum of the world's largest economies in Rio de Janeiro and Brasil. In this regard, Roberta Barreto, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary of Education, underlined the significance of hosting the event at Casa G20, featuring an artistic program signed by writers and journalists Ruy Castro and Nelson Motta.

"This marks the inception of a profoundly significant project within the state education network. Let this day not only signify the commencement of a journey, but may it also be imbued with cherished emotional moments, etched in your hearts and memories. Let it serve as the genesis of a prosperous future, where you can proudly proclaim that it all started here," stated the secretary. This endeavor is slated to evolve into a lasting government endeavor, embodying the educational legacy of the G20.

"The project is great because it opens access for young people to promote encounters, an essential part of any initiative. Simple actions like these take shape and become differentiated movements. This is fantastic," said Ambassador Joel Sampaio, Itamaraty’s Special Advisor for Social Communication.

The project collaborates with students from intercultural schools where the curriculum already integrates the study of foreign languages and diverse cultures. One of these students is Marcela Procópio, who attends Centro Integrado de Educação Pública (CIEP) Governador Leonel de Moura Brizola - Intercultural Brasil-França, a school named after the pioneer who established the educational model it follows. Marcela expressed, "Initiatives like this broaden our perspectives and enhance our involvement with global issues. Actively engaging daily in shaping the world we envision is vital for our growth."

"Watching these young individuals gearing up for such a significant event is truly inspiring. Our aim here is to support and foster the personal, civic, and professional development of everyone involved," remarked comedian and actor Hélio de La Peña, wrapping up the morning session of the meeting with his easygoing style. His presentation set the tone for what student coverage strives to achieve: bringing the G20 discussions to a broader audience, making complex topics accessible, and offering diverse perspectives.

The content produced by the students, including all the Kids 20 content, will be streamlined on the G20 official website and on digital channels made available by the Rio de Janeiro state government.

Youth from Brasilia also in training

Discussing the G20 amidst the names of Frida Kahlo, Maria da Penha, Guimarães Rosa, Nise da Silveira, and/or Anita Malfatti, was part of the training experience in Brasilia. This took place before lunchtime, as conversations simmered in the cafeteria of Centro de Ensino Fundamental (CEF) 03, located in Sobradinho, one of the administrative regions of Brasilia, Federal District.

These renowned figures lend their names to the classrooms at CEF 3, where elementary students from grades 6 to 9 are grouped in the Full-Time teaching model. They engage in workshops encompassing painting, ballet, capoeira, music, contemporary dance, handicrafts, agroforestry, drawing, yoga, kung-fu, and communication, all central to the Kids 20 project.

The meeting at the school brought together students, teachers, the G20 communications coordinator, and the media communications consultant from the Secretariat for Social Communication of the Presidency of the Republic (SECOM/PR), gathered in a half-moon formation around a school desk.

Contrary to any expectation that the more than 25 students present would lose interest or disperse by lunchtime or the weekend, they remained engaged throughout, listening attentively and posing insightful questions. "How are the G20's priorities determined?" "How are the presiding countries selected each year?" These were some of the questions raised, many of which the students themselves helped answer. "Is it like the World Cup, with a different country each time?" they speculated.

Joyce Gomes, a student from CEF 3, remarked, "Today has shown me that the G20 is even more expansive than I had imagined, with remarkable projects like the ones I've witnessed here. I aspire to share these projects with others, enlightening them through various means."

"In a society largely focused on adults, incorporating the perspectives of children and adolescents is essential. They are disproportionately affected by issues like climate change, offering insights often overlooked by adults. We have much to learn from them. Kids 20 has the potential to enlighten the world, demonstrating not just theoretical ideas but practical effectiveness," remarked Cristiane Parente, media education consultant at SECOM/PR's Digital Policy Secretariat.

"Engaging students in the G20 brings the G20 into people's homes. Young people uniquely challenge our perspectives and broaden our understanding. They immerse themselves in the event, generating content in their own voices, aligning with the meeting's goal of making concepts accessible to all," added Carlos Alberto Júnior, communications coordinator for G20 Brasil.

At CEF 3, the communication workshop emphasizes audiovisual production, showcased on the student channel "Arena 3." Additionally, the students feature on Brasília's Community TV, a station with a 27-year history. Since 2009, the TV has also served as a Culture Point, housing the project "Pontão de Cultura TV em Movimento: Escola de Mídia Comunitária." In 2023, CEF 03 achieved recognition in the Basic Education Index (Ideb), ranking among the top three final-year elementary schools in the Federal District for school flow and average performance in assessments.

Coverage already underway

From an educommunication perspective aligned with the principles of Paulo Freire, the renowned Brazilian educator and a significant figure in global pedagogy, the theoretical-practical relationship serves transformation. Alongside their training courses, students are actively engaged in content production. For instance, youths from Rio de Janeiro participated in the Chancellors' Meeting in February. In May, those from Sobradinho covered meetings of the Education and Culture Working Groups, even conducting an interview with Brasil’s Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes.

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