An Educommunication-based approach to the rights of the child: facing the challenge of implementing the CRC in Guinea-Bissau

Abstract

The article outlines the pedagogical approach known as “educommunication”, a practice theorized and experienced since the 90s especially in Latin America and connected with Paulo
Freire’s pedagogy, which is indicated as particularly suitable to support educational policies and promotion of the rights of the child in developing countries.Peculiar of this approach is the use
as educational platforms of the mass media, from the most technologically sophisticated (Internet, television) to the most accessible in contexts of economic deprivation (radio, theatre). The article reports an experience that has taken place in Guinea-Bissau, one of the poorest and most troubled African countries. Here, a network of children has conducted over the years a significant
experience of educommunication consisting in designing and implementing an entirely selfmanaged radio station; this activity is also connected to a practice of social participation, awareness
raising, and peer-to-peer learning on human rights and in particular on children’s rights.