DUT VIDEO TECHNOLOGY TO LAUNCH PHILA IMPILO (LIVE LIFE) DVD

The Department of Video Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will launch the Phila Impilo (Live Life) DVD showing experiences of children with TB on Saturday, 26th January 2008.

The launch of a 26 minute DVD that shows health care workers and parents how to engage the real children behind the numbers and enlist them as willing and insightful partners in the process of healing, will take place at the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Television, on City Campus from 08h30 to 12h30. This is located in the Corner of Berea, Warwick and Smith Streets, Entrance in Smith Street.

DUT’s graduates from the Television Department were centrally involved in creating the DVD with producer Jill Kruger of UNESCO’s ‘Growing Up in Cities’ programme. Television school graduate Monde Magida was the cameraman and Kanyiso Mabija, another graduate, was the editor. Cary Burnett, Senior Lecturer in Television, assisted with directing and facilitating the production. The Television Department at DUT also provided equipment and facilities free of charge for the project.

“It is about the experiences of children with TB and adds their voices to the global debate on best practice in the treatment and care of TB infection said Cary Burnett. She adds that the significance of the video is that it allows children to speak for themselves about their experiences with TB.

Jill Kruger, Project Director of the Phila Impilo Project is co-ordinating the launch which will be attended by UNESCO Growing Up in Cities (GUIC) facilitators, Mr Chonco from the KZN Department of Education and Culture, and Dr McKerrow from KZN Department of Health Paediatric Services. In addition the children who are well enough will be present with their parents/care givers.

In collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health the video will be shown in two KZN health districts in 2008 including seven hospitals, seventy-two clinics and seventeen mobile clinics. Copies will also be disseminated to NGO’s that work in child health. There are 195 potential screening points for the DVD in the hospitals and clinic locations.

Enquiries regarding the DVD should be directed to jmkrug@wirelessza.co.za

For more information about the video launch contact Cary Burnett on 031 373 6628 or caryb@dut.ac.za.