UNICEF Belize: TIME OUT – Ending Violence Against Children in Belize

LOGO 1

Last month, UNICEF Belize launched the National C4D & Communication Strategy to End Violence Against Children in Belize, TIME OUT, along with the new PSA Videos that are being aired at National TV. The event was well attended by the media and UNICEF partners, and the discussion that followed gave added insights as to how the country will continue advocating, listening, and working together to End Violence Against Children in the Belize.

LAUNCHING EVENT

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

Time Out Launch

THE STRATEGY
The strategy stretches over at least 2 years – and it is important to point out that “TIME OUT” isn’t just a “communication campaign” – it’s an initiative using mainly Communication for Development approaches, aimed at inspiring behavioural change and affecting attitudes towards violence over the long term. C4D is based on listening to communities and creating dialogue on the issues that affect them in order to find out why certain damaging behaviours are in place and how we can work together to find alternatives.

One of the cornerstones of the strategy will be the establishment of a baseline on the situation of violence against children through a nationwide KAPB survey (Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Behaviours). UNICEF has travelled across the country and met with more than 130 children conducting focus group sessions including theatre and other activities, to find out if and how they are affected by violence in their communities.

Workshops

Workshop - hand

The strategy is based on the cooperation with our partners, and also incorporates community level initiatives such as training of teachers on positive discipline, parental training and strengthening of the child justice system.

COMMUNICATION & PUBLIC INFORMATION COMPONENT
Along with all of these C4D initiatives – TIME OUT also has a classic communication and public information component including posters, videos and other visibility items such as wristbands.

wristband

We are using the common concept of TIME OUT. However, the message today is not for children, it’s for adults – to take a TIME OUT and think – before using violent methods and teaching our children that these are acceptable/normal – and instead choose to use alternative methods to communicate and solve conflict.

“Basing our relationships on Understanding, Respect and Love.”

Through community consultations, we have learnt that one of the biggest challenges for parents is that while they don’t deem it necessary to use violence and negative discipline – they don’t know any other alternative. We are trying to inform about these alternatives, and strengthen parents in their confidence that a positive approach is possible.

poster Video1

The content of the videos has been inspired by the inputs collected from children across the country and there five videos on the five types of violence will be rolled out on a monthly basis:

– Verbal Violence
– Physical Violence
– Gang Violence
– Neglect
– Sexual Abuse

The videos are embracing the cultural diversity of Belize, and are acted by normal people – “maybe even your next door neighbour.” One of the main points that we learnt from the children and want to communicate is that – VIOLENCE HAPPENS EVERYWHERE in BELIZE, across all social, geographical and cultural borders in the country. It’s hidden in plain sight and it’s thus everybody’s business to address violence.

The videos will be aired on most of the media channels in the country, and will be added to this article as they are released to the public.

First Ever Belize Electronic Music Weekend – The official launch of an EDM era in Belize!

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

The first ever Belize Electronic Music Weekend was a great success in many ways, with international DJ’s, happy positive people, breath taking venues and – most importantly and not often heard of here – really good audiovisual gear – equaling CRISP and well-balanced sound, and nice visuals! The weekend was three full days of new friends, great tunes, dancing and hanging out. And I can’t wait for more to come.

Belize Ocean Club welcomed us with great service, rum cocktails and a beautiful suite that David, Natasha, Luc and myself would be staying in. We headed straight to the beach and had a quick evening swim before having a nap and heading to the Maya Beach Hotel Bistro where we had a VERY good dinner, and then to the lagoon side of the hotel to check out the party. The venue was perfect. With a dock going into the lagoon, all beautifully lit up, open air, and even a little hangout place with a fireplace. We spent the night chatting away, dancing and meeting new people, and the last couple of hours until sunrise in a ring around the fireplace. The best thing about the party was undeniably the mix of people. The mix of ages, the mix of backgrounds, the mix of interests. People from the most random corners of the world, many of whom were complete hippies in their minds yet proper responsible adults in practice. People with a past, a present and a future, stories to tell and an open and welcoming mindset. We felt so much at home in the conversations it felt like it was all just a very big and well organized house party with good friends and some new exciting people. Just the way you want your electronic music party to feel, right? Perfect!

On the second day we woke up late, hung out for a while by the pool, and headed in to Placencia town for the sunset party at Tipsy Tuna. Again, we danced, chatted, and hung out. The party ended a bit earlier which was nice as we were completely dead after the night before. Sunday was a different thing. We headed straight to the pool where the pool chill sessions kicked in at noon, with the same friends, warming sun, live electronic beats and colourful cocktails – we stayed for as long as we could before having to drive back to Belize. And the weekend was complete.

A big thanks to all our new friends, and especially to Anna and Marcus Perigo from Sisimito Records who arranged the weekend, invited us, and were being great hosts throughout. On our way out from Belize Ocean Club, I spotted Anna and thanked for the weekend. “Can’t wait for next year’s party!” I said as I gave her a hug. “Oh, no no no.. you won’t have to wait that long – after this success we’ll make sure to arrange events like this more often!” she responded. Which sounds absolutely perfect. This is the beginning of an Electronic Dance Music era in Belize, and I’m VERY happy to be here just now.

Just call us and we’ll be there!

Now – enjoy the photos – and don’t miss the video!

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

(The following three photos were taken by Leonardo Meléndez)

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

(Photo above by Leonardo Meléndez)

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Belizez Electronic Music Weekend 2015, Placencia

Tulum stories: The moon is full and life is yours to enjoy, now come – dance and love.

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

We found our way back to Tulum where the moonlight was telling a million stories and the beach embraced us in all of its warmth and beautiful vibes. We were invited to stay with friends and joined them for a party on the beach, under the full moon, under the palm trees and with what happened to be one of my long time DJ crushes, Nightmares on Wax. We played, we loved, we danced and we welcomed the sun as it came up in the morning.

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, TulumMoonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Moonlight Stories, Tulum

Tulum sunrise

Where are you, dad?


Stromae – Papaoutai
Racine Carrée (2013)

Been a while since I posted anything music related here. There will be photos and tons of updates soon, but first this. This thing is SO GOOD, and the artist is just ridiculously talented as both actor, dancer and singer. Loving it.

Happy Tuesday, people!

sonder

Beautifully filmed for The Dicionary of Obscure Sorrows.

sonder – n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

I started thinking about and contemplating the complexity of the mind and experiences of bypassers and strangers when I was very young. But instead of it being a reason for sorrow, it has been an inspiration to talk to strangers, to photograph, to learn. Every person has something significant to share and tell, and for me that is one of the main things that make this world so utterly and unpredictably beautiful.

Now, where’s my violin when I need it?