Relationships can be challenging whether in person, by text or via social media and it is important for people to remember that how people choose to interact with those around them as friends, family members, intimate partners or associates can have significant impacts. How positive relationships are defined and modelled by adults influences how young people interact and how effectively they recognise both the positive and destructive elements of the relationships in their lives.
Kingscliff Rotary Club has taken on the challenge of working with young people on how to define and build respectful relationships in their lives and recognise and prevent the path towards domestic violence.
Working with students from year 10 at Kingscliff High School they have assisted students to produce three short films ‘aimed at building respectful relationships and preventing domestic violence before it begins,’ explained Peter Truer, Secretary of Rotary Club of Kingscliff.
The program has been running for three years and has seen the students take three different topics and produce ten films over that time.
‘A professional film maker attended the high school once a week for eight weeks to advise and assist students with their films. Tweeds Heads Police were also available to discuss content and ideas with students,’ explained Mr Truer.
Ginny Giorgio, Youth Director from Kingscliff Rotary Club explained that ‘the films are for a target audience of their peers. The goal is to break the barrier of just more adults talking at kids and to engage students and give them a voice supporting the concept of respectful relationships in a language that is owned by young people.’
Two prizes were on offer for the young film makers. One prize was judged by members of the community and the other, the people’s choice award, was judged by the filmmakers’ peers in the high school.
‘By having fellow students judge the people’s choice award, they as an audience can also engage in the move towards respectful relationships,’ said Mr Truer.
The award presentations were held on Wednesday, August 7 at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club.
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