In Nepal, where 40% of the population is below the age of 15, according to a report published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) in 2001, the need of proper shows catering to young minds is important, or as Srijana Singh Yonjon, Director of Creative Statements, believes “is of top priority.”[break]
Under the watchful eyes of Yonjan, the 12-episodic series “Maya and Max” is soon to hit the small screen. A dream realized after ten years of waiting, this is her effort in catering a show meant for children with the support of the Embassy of Denmark, DANIDA, and International Development Cooperation.
Maya and Max, the two teens from Kathmandu, explore different parts of Nepal and meet children from diverse areas and backgrounds, and it is through this juxtaposition of urban and rural life the makers of the show intend to offer insights of Nepal’s amazing cultural diversity.
“Kids living in the capital know so much about what’s happening in the outside world but when it comes to neighboring cities, or about the various traditions and cultures, they are lost for words,” said she, adding that the initiative aims to build perspectives in kids about the world they live in.
Taking learning beyond textbooks, television programs can open up new horizons and visions to children by teaching and showing them the places they have never been to or imagine. The protagonists of the series take viewers on a candid tour to Lumbini, Chitwan, Sauraha, Sankhu, Mohammedpur, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Gorkha and to various locations in Kathmandu.
“We stretched our budget to the limit and tried to be as inclusive as possible when it came to deciding locations to shoot. Every episode will highlight that particular destination in the context of local kids,” said Yonjan who believes the series will also paint different pictures of these kids.
“The glorified documentaries on war, conflict end up depicting children as victims, but in reality, the kids are going about their day to day business and are happy in their surroundings. The show will certainly come as an eye opener,” added she.
Not a fan of the materials that are being broadcast on local channels, Yonjon wanted to move away from “cookie cutter” television shows and bring about changes in the ways children’s programs are currently being approached and treated in Nepal.
At a time when most shows follow the same old themes of singing and dance competitions, this is her answer to all those who said children’s shows are restricted and there is not much we can do with the subject.
After months of research and roundtable discussions, the team came up with the idea of a show that deploy the three Es – enriching, enlightening, and enjoyable experience for kids as well as adults.
The series took nine months to finish and involved experts from Denmark, such as Lars Gudmund Hansen, a children’s television program producer with 30 years of experience in the field, children’s television program presenter Jeppe Vig Find, and cameraman Thomas Larsen.
Considered a passive activity, television watching need not be that. It can prompt questions, kindle curiosity, or teach activities to pursue when the set is off. Highlighting various travel destinations within Nepal, the series also goes on to raise important issues like gender bias, albeit subtly. One of the episodes “The Muslim Community of Mohammedpur” talks about the discomfort of the boys in a cricket team when Maya expresses her desire to be a part of the game. The hesitation eventually leads to acceptance, and it is small things like these that make the whole experience worthwhile, revealed Yonjan.
“You might shout slogans and rave about great ideas but the greatest change and movement starts from kids, the future generation,” ponders the creator of the show who is baffled by the government’s slag in this department. She goes on to point out that the government here needs to invest in shows related to youth and should take heed from countries like Denmark where a lot of resource is channeled into children’s shows, even though their young people account for less than 18% of the population.
While the debate of good, bad and ugly hangs in the crowded television environment ruled by foreign channels, the key for parents is to search out quality TV programs for their kids, and whenever possible, enjoy them together as a family. One suggestion might be the adventure of Maya and Max coming soon on Nepal Television.
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