Learning about Avian Influenza Through Theatre and Play

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) of the Republic of Georgia is providing support for theatre drama focusing on the risks of avian influenza (bird flu) in order to prevent the spread of the disease in eight areas seen by UNICEF as 'high risk'. The project is led by an internally displaced persons (IDP) women's association called Consent and a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Atinati.



The theatre project is part of a multi-faceted response to a recent survey within the Republic of Georgia showing that only 5.5 percent of children of aged 6 to 11 wash their hands after touching poultry; this figure rises to only 9 percent among children aged 12 to 16.

Performances are scheduled to reach approximately 6,000 children. The project includes both puppet shows and theatre performances; children have contributed to the scripts and will also be in the cast of the performances. The works are interactive, involving the audience in discussion and analysis of the behaviour of the heroic characters.

Print materials also support the effort. School calendars and bookmarks with messages on avian flu prevention have been printed and distributed to children during the performances. A special issue of the children’s magazine "White Crane", containing information on avian influenza, stories and pictures, special quizzes, and a question-and-answer section on special preventive measures, has also been produced.

In addition, in March 2007, a two-day school event "What we have to know to prevent avian influenza" was organised in schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Curriculum and Assessment Centre. As stated here, "all schools received educational packages on avian influenza, including special instructions and booklets for teachers, lesson plans, school calendars, and posters. Many pupils painted pictures about avian influenza during these lessons that were later displayed at a special exhibition."