DNA provides the opportunity for youth groups to
develop an exciting and original way for young people to express
themselves and to explore difficult social and emotional issues
that they may be experiencing.
DNA has conducted many projects for young adults
exploring issues using this technique, and has found that this approach
can be highly successful in helping young people think about decisions
and consequences in their own lives of issues of behaviour such
as sex and relationships, bullying and substance abuse.
"The
puppets were inspirational! The young people were able to relate
to them so well,that it became fun to address a strong message around
sexual health issues.' Vicky Lomax, Youth Arts Co ordinator,
Rochdale Borough Council
The Hoodies were used in the 'Portrait
of a Nation' national youth arts project 2008
Project Aims
to give a sense of perspective on, and better
understanding of moral and behavioural issues confronting young
people in their lives
increased self-confidence and self expression
experience of the creative industries of film,
animation and the performing arts
a sense of achievement of creating something
as part of a group
Puppets are made to commission that young people
will find interesting, entertaining and easy to use, portraying
'everyman' characters of different gender, ethnicity and social
type. Most will be young people, and there will be one or two older
characters to represent parents, teachers or any other older character.
DNA also provides training in the use of these puppets and techniques
to help the young people to come up with the performance material
for filming.
These puppets are used in Sex'n'Chips,
DNA's original peer education project on sex and relationships for
schools and youth groups. Click the icon on the left for further
information
The plotline and the characters are devised and
developed with participants, encouraging a strong sense of ownership
of the material, imaginative creativity and expressive literacy
using their own personal experience as source material. Some of
the participants may be interested in the performing aspect, others
in the design, plotting, creation of backgrounds and props or in
the recording and editiing of the digital material.
An enthusiastic and committed group can produce
an entertaining DVD which they can be proud of.
For a sample lesson plan on sex and relationships
education, click here
These puppets are for sale and are made to commission. Please
contact our education programme manager for further information.
