Special Achievement Award 2020
Initiatives in Children’s Media in Times of COVID-19
When the 2020 PRIX JEUNESSE festival theme was changed to “Separated by Crisis; Together in Commitment to Children”, a new Special Achievement Prize was created. We asked for proposals of children’s media projects that support children in handling the current situation of worries and limited freedom.
We received the impressive number of 41 proposals from 15 countries. Below you can find an overview on projects entered.
Meet the jury of our 2020 Special Achievement Award.
The entries
Winner: Hi Mum, Bye Dad and Klokhuis Masterclass, NTR, Netherlands
Hi Mum, bye Dad explores the question what it is like to be a child of divorced parents. Klokhuis Masterclass offers online Masterclasses during school time inviting children to do some activities at home getting instructions by a master in their field.
Hi Mum, bye Dad explores the question what it is like to be a child of divorced parents. Klokhuis Masterclass offers online Masterclasses during school time inviting children to do some activities at home getting instructions by a master in their field.
Winner: Info Animations COVID-19, Vientos Culturales, Mexico
Info Animations COVID-19 provide valuable information about COVID-19. With subtitles in more than 30 indigenous languages and distribution based on sharing, it aims to inform children and their families everywhere.
Info Animations COVID-19 provide valuable information about COVID-19. With subtitles in more than 30 indigenous languages and distribution based on sharing, it aims to inform children and their families everywhere.
Winner: Lockdown, Sinking Ship, Canada
Lockdown is an up-to-the-minute series that reflects the current state of the world. Shot entirely via webcam and smartphones, it is the story of an interwoven friend group affected by COVID-19 and how they cope by helping each other.
Lockdown is an up-to-the-minute series that reflects the current state of the world. Shot entirely via webcam and smartphones, it is the story of an interwoven friend group affected by COVID-19 and how they cope by helping each other.
Wazi’s Wonderful World, momentsentertainment /MANDELA’S AFRICA /ABC- A PAN AFRICAN CHILDREN & YOUTH CHANNEL, South Africa
The series Wazi’s Wonderful World planned to be an African adventure celebrating African culture and traditions but now gives facts and information about COVID-19 for children. Each episode highlights a different concern with “Stay at home” as the main theme.
The series Wazi’s Wonderful World planned to be an African adventure celebrating African culture and traditions but now gives facts and information about COVID-19 for children. Each episode highlights a different concern with “Stay at home” as the main theme.
Florintijë, TV Malisheva, Kosovo
As a live programme on Facebook, Florintijë shares important information about health, food, vitamins, friendship, school, book, passion and other topics. It also gives children the opportunity to share their thoughts about the topic with photos and videos.
As a live programme on Facebook, Florintijë shares important information about health, food, vitamins, friendship, school, book, passion and other topics. It also gives children the opportunity to share their thoughts about the topic with photos and videos.
Corona Mouse, WDR, Germany
With a multi-media approach and now daily broadcasting, the efforts of the Show with the Mouse aim at informing, entertaining and supporting children e.g. with info clips answering children’s questions or the hobby room, a platform with tips and tricks for staying at home.
With a multi-media approach and now daily broadcasting, the efforts of the Show with the Mouse aim at informing, entertaining and supporting children e.g. with info clips answering children’s questions or the hobby room, a platform with tips and tricks for staying at home.
Checker Corona, megaherz GmbH Film und Fernsehen, Germany
The Checker Tobi television format, one of Germany’s most well known and most popular TV education programmes for children, created two Corona- and Crisis centered TV-episodes. Additionally, a new-web-format was introduced as a direct connection to the viewer and a reliable guide for information.
The Checker Tobi television format, one of Germany’s most well known and most popular TV education programmes for children, created two Corona- and Crisis centered TV-episodes. Additionally, a new-web-format was introduced as a direct connection to the viewer and a reliable guide for information.
Logo!, ZDF logo!, Germany
As a news show for children and adolescents, Logo! created an extensive thematic page to answer children’s questions, explain and classify the most important things about the virus and its effects.
As a news show for children and adolescents, Logo! created an extensive thematic page to answer children’s questions, explain and classify the most important things about the virus and its effects.
Housemate – Together from A Distance, ZDF, Germany
Six teenagers experience living together during the crisis – virtually. Originally planned to spend four weeks together in Lisbon, these teens now share their life virtually: discussing their problems and worries connected to the corona crisis but also having fun, flirting and giving insights into their lives.
Six teenagers experience living together during the crisis – virtually. Originally planned to spend four weeks together in Lisbon, these teens now share their life virtually: discussing their problems and worries connected to the corona crisis but also having fun, flirting and giving insights into their lives.
Fraggle Rock: Rock On, Apple, United States
The beloved stars of the classic ‘80s series join together again for new stories and classic Fraggle songs that show everyone how we are all connected through friendship. While the Fraggles might be in different parts of the Fraggle Rock caves, they can still find ways to have fun together, with music, silliness, special guests, and of course the help of devices created by the industrious Doozers.
The beloved stars of the classic ‘80s series join together again for new stories and classic Fraggle songs that show everyone how we are all connected through friendship. While the Fraggles might be in different parts of the Fraggle Rock caves, they can still find ways to have fun together, with music, silliness, special guests, and of course the help of devices created by the industrious Doozers.
United Alone, NKR Super, Norway
The music video to United Alone shows that amidst the pandemic people stand united, even though they can’t physically be close together. The song is sung by the Prime Minister of Norway, familiar faces and puppets from the NRK Super universe, and lots of children and grown-ups from around the country.
The music video to United Alone shows that amidst the pandemic people stand united, even though they can’t physically be close together. The song is sung by the Prime Minister of Norway, familiar faces and puppets from the NRK Super universe, and lots of children and grown-ups from around the country.
Pakapaka’s Projects: Confinement, Windows to the world, Zamba and Nina and I’m Staying at Home, Pakapaka Channel, Argentina
Pakapaka’s four projects do not only educate e.g. why children should wash their hands (Zamba and Nina), and support through stories of isolation (Confinement), but also give children room to express themselves creatively through art (Windows to the World) and through telling their story (I’m staying home).
Pakapaka’s four projects do not only educate e.g. why children should wash their hands (Zamba and Nina), and support through stories of isolation (Confinement), but also give children room to express themselves creatively through art (Windows to the World) and through telling their story (I’m staying home).
#kotnet, Ketnet, Belgium
To support children and youth during the corona crisis, ketnet transformed to #kotnet (slang for “#Stayhome-net”) – on TV, on their website, in their app, on Instagram, on TikTok and YouTube. Kotnet tried to make the day-to-day, stay-at-home lives as pleasant and exciting as possible through projects in the area of education, exercise, creativity and interactivity.
To support children and youth during the corona crisis, ketnet transformed to #kotnet (slang for “#Stayhome-net”) – on TV, on their website, in their app, on Instagram, on TikTok and YouTube. Kotnet tried to make the day-to-day, stay-at-home lives as pleasant and exciting as possible through projects in the area of education, exercise, creativity and interactivity.
Sesame Workshop, Sesame Workshop, United States
The project Caring for each other offers content for playful learning and support for children. It also spreads public health messages in a child-friendly way for example the importance of washing your hands through Elmo’s “Washy Wash” song.
The project Caring for each other offers content for playful learning and support for children. It also spreads public health messages in a child-friendly way for example the importance of washing your hands through Elmo’s “Washy Wash” song.
Operation Ouch: Virus Alert, Maverick TV, United Kingdom
In the special episode, the hosts explore the science behind the corona pandemic and try to answer children’s questions along the way, about why the outbreak occurred, what the virus does to the body and how patients are being treated. Additionally, children around the UK get the chance to share their experiences.
In the special episode, the hosts explore the science behind the corona pandemic and try to answer children’s questions along the way, about why the outbreak occurred, what the virus does to the body and how patients are being treated. Additionally, children around the UK get the chance to share their experiences.
TVO Kids’ Projects, TVO Kids, Canada
TVO kids has made it its responsibility to help their audience of 2-8-year olds understand what was happening in the world around them, to feel safe and loved. Through ideas for creating crafts and science experiments to answering children’s questions and giving teachers a platform, the three hosts provided friendship and support.
TVO kids has made it its responsibility to help their audience of 2-8-year olds understand what was happening in the world around them, to feel safe and loved. Through ideas for creating crafts and science experiments to answering children’s questions and giving teachers a platform, the three hosts provided friendship and support.
KiKA’s Projects: Care Corner and #togetherathome, KiKA, Germany
Kummerkasten (Care Corner) explains the subject of domestic violence and shows ways of help under these particular circumstances. The extensive range of content across all its platforms KiKA has been offering during and concerning the corona crisis can be found under the hashtag #gemeinsamzuHause (#togetherathome).
Kummerkasten (Care Corner) explains the subject of domestic violence and shows ways of help under these particular circumstances. The extensive range of content across all its platforms KiKA has been offering during and concerning the corona crisis can be found under the hashtag #gemeinsamzuHause (#togetherathome).
Me and the Crisis, SWR, Germany
Me and the Crisis is less concerned with obvious questions like: “How are children around the world spending their time?“ It shows strong-minded children who, with a great deal of creativity, have happily managed to carry forward their ritual, hobby, fond habit, sport, band, etc. from ‘normal’ times into the corona quarantine period.
Me and the Crisis is less concerned with obvious questions like: “How are children around the world spending their time?“ It shows strong-minded children who, with a great deal of creativity, have happily managed to carry forward their ritual, hobby, fond habit, sport, band, etc. from ‘normal’ times into the corona quarantine period.
Nordisch Filmproduction’s Projects: What now? and Kaja, Kiran and Fabienne – When the world stays at home, Nordisch Filmproduction, Germany
In the short series What now? children explain their sport, hobby or craft idea in a manner that other children can easily try at home. In Kaja, Kiran and Fabienne – When the world stays at home, children and young people from all over the world use their smartphones to show how the corona crisis is changing their everyday lives and the things they do to pass the time.
In the short series What now? children explain their sport, hobby or craft idea in a manner that other children can easily try at home. In Kaja, Kiran and Fabienne – When the world stays at home, children and young people from all over the world use their smartphones to show how the corona crisis is changing their everyday lives and the things they do to pass the time.
CBBC’s Projects: Blue Peter and How to Be Epic @Home, CBBC, United Kingdom
Blue Peter one of the longest-running TV programmes adapted to the circumstance: hosts and guests filmed from home and the audience had the possibility to contribute to the show through videos and pictures. How to Be Epic @Home features activities which can be easily and safely practiced at home during lockdown.
Blue Peter one of the longest-running TV programmes adapted to the circumstance: hosts and guests filmed from home and the audience had the possibility to contribute to the show through videos and pictures. How to Be Epic @Home features activities which can be easily and safely practiced at home during lockdown.
Get Well Soon, Corona Virus Special, Kindle entertainment, United Kingdom
Get Well Soon, Corona Virus Special explores the issues children face in a way that they can understand and relate to: The puppet Jobi asks Dr Ranj questions which he answers with respect and warmth. Together they offer the reassurance that will help the younger audience cope with the situation in a more positive way.
Get Well Soon, Corona Virus Special explores the issues children face in a way that they can understand and relate to: The puppet Jobi asks Dr Ranj questions which he answers with respect and warmth. Together they offer the reassurance that will help the younger audience cope with the situation in a more positive way.
E-leng Keng Kong Is at Home Against COVID-19 Epidemic, Cheewan Wisasa, Thailand
informing children about the situation of the spread of the virus and how to protect yourself from infection.
informing children about the situation of the spread of the virus and how to protect yourself from infection.
The Play School, ABC Kids, Australia
The Play School Hello Friends – A COVID-19 Special helps to explain some of the big questions around coronavirus; from staying at home to the importance of washing your hands. The episode was created as a co-viewing opportunity to help parents and carers to explain COVID-19 to children and support young families as they adjust to the unprecedented challenges the global community is facing.
The Play School Hello Friends – A COVID-19 Special helps to explain some of the big questions around coronavirus; from staying at home to the importance of washing your hands. The episode was created as a co-viewing opportunity to help parents and carers to explain COVID-19 to children and support young families as they adjust to the unprecedented challenges the global community is facing.
Le Machin Club Radio Programme, Le Machin Club, Canada
Le Machin Club Radio, a weekly radio programme co-hosted by children, promotes the social and cultural life of Quebec. Now recorded from home, the monthly themes of April (science-fiction) and May (trees and forest) inspired the children to watch films, read books, explore new themes and host interviews together with specialists on Zoom.
Le Machin Club Radio, a weekly radio programme co-hosted by children, promotes the social and cultural life of Quebec. Now recorded from home, the monthly themes of April (science-fiction) and May (trees and forest) inspired the children to watch films, read books, explore new themes and host interviews together with specialists on Zoom.
Where Did All the People Go and Inside our Homes, Northern Heart Films, United Kingdom
Bringing children together and motivate them to stay at home, those are the goals of the two short films Where Did All the People Go and Inside our Homes. Scenes of children shot at home, spoken word and poetry – the Northern Heart Film project is a collaboration with and for children.
Bringing children together and motivate them to stay at home, those are the goals of the two short films Where Did All the People Go and Inside our Homes. Scenes of children shot at home, spoken word and poetry – the Northern Heart Film project is a collaboration with and for children.
Fun Nam Nom Club and COVID-19 Comic, Miracle Mushroom Co. ltd, Thailand
With familiar mascots, Fun Nam Nom Club wanted to provide information concerning the corona crisis suitable for children. The COVID-19 Comic aims at informing children about coronavirus in a fun and easy to understand way.
With familiar mascots, Fun Nam Nom Club wanted to provide information concerning the corona crisis suitable for children. The COVID-19 Comic aims at informing children about coronavirus in a fun and easy to understand way.
Kids Press Conference, NRK Super and Supernytt, Norway
The Kids Press Conference gave children an opportunity to ask their questions and voice their concerns to Norway’s prime minister and other political leaders. Via social media and the broadcaster’s app, children could submit their questions.
The Kids Press Conference gave children an opportunity to ask their questions and voice their concerns to Norway’s prime minister and other political leaders. Via social media and the broadcaster’s app, children could submit their questions.
CBC Kids, CBC Kids, Canada
As a response to the corona crisis and the ensuing Lockdown, CBC Kids Programmes sent cameras home with their hosts and puppets. They created content including music videos which modelled social distancing, healthy hygiene habits and finding fun and adventure at home.
As a response to the corona crisis and the ensuing Lockdown, CBC Kids Programmes sent cameras home with their hosts and puppets. They created content including music videos which modelled social distancing, healthy hygiene habits and finding fun and adventure at home.
Mimi On A Mission Lockdown Party, Peggy Pictures, United Kingdom
Mimi sends out her positive vibes in this fun and laughter-filled weekly antidote to the frustration, fear and boredom of the corona crisis. From the safety of her front room, she brings together a select list of very special guests, starting with the one and only 100-year-old Captain Tom while also featuring clips of young people from across the country sharing their lockdown experience.
Mimi sends out her positive vibes in this fun and laughter-filled weekly antidote to the frustration, fear and boredom of the corona crisis. From the safety of her front room, she brings together a select list of very special guests, starting with the one and only 100-year-old Captain Tom while also featuring clips of young people from across the country sharing their lockdown experience.
A Message from Miss Persona! | COVID 19 Kids PSA | Teddy Bear Kindergarten is Canceled!, Treehouse, Canada
Brandon Bear’s teddy bear kindergarten has been cancelled because of coronavirus, and him and Miss Persona must stay inside for a while. Even though they may feel a little worried, they dance and learn all the ways they can be helpful by being a superhero.
Brandon Bear’s teddy bear kindergarten has been cancelled because of coronavirus, and him and Miss Persona must stay inside for a while. Even though they may feel a little worried, they dance and learn all the ways they can be helpful by being a superhero.
MAJ, Radio Canada, Canada
On Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and a website, MAJ by Radio Canada talks about what’s going on in the world in a fun and engaging way for young people aged 7 to 13. Combining rigorous information with the perfect dose of humour, MAJ is a fun way for kids to stay informed during the confinement.
On Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and a website, MAJ by Radio Canada talks about what’s going on in the world in a fun and engaging way for young people aged 7 to 13. Combining rigorous information with the perfect dose of humour, MAJ is a fun way for kids to stay informed during the confinement.
Earth to Luna!, Pinguim & Discovery Kids Latam, Brazil
Between entertaining, informing and educating about coronavirus, Earth to Luna! wants to transform this period into an opportunity to learn a bit more about science, while strengthening the bond between parents and children.
Between entertaining, informing and educating about coronavirus, Earth to Luna! wants to transform this period into an opportunity to learn a bit more about science, while strengthening the bond between parents and children.
Bombotones at Home, La Mar Media, Colombia
In Bombotones at Home, a family of rabbits experience wonderful and fun adventures at home. They show and teach children how in moments of confinement, playtime can be a great relief for families, which need moments of relaxation, fun and togetherness.
In Bombotones at Home, a family of rabbits experience wonderful and fun adventures at home. They show and teach children how in moments of confinement, playtime can be a great relief for families, which need moments of relaxation, fun and togetherness.
Wash your Fins!, Dully&Dax, Germany
Wash your Fins! is a song and animated video, including a stopwatch of 30 seconds, to sing along while washing your hands. From the poetic singer-songwriter track to the rocking hillbilly version – songs are created in a wide variety of ways.
Wash your Fins! is a song and animated video, including a stopwatch of 30 seconds, to sing along while washing your hands. From the poetic singer-songwriter track to the rocking hillbilly version – songs are created in a wide variety of ways.
My Signal, Magical Territory, RTVC-Canal Señal Colombia, Colombia
My Signal, Magical Territory is a programming slot (7:00 to 13:00) that includes educative and cultural shows. It consists of four sections where kids can participate sharing videos about their daily life, positive and curious news, interesting facts to motivate their affection to knowledge and one section dedicated to solving their questions about COVID-19.
My Signal, Magical Territory is a programming slot (7:00 to 13:00) that includes educative and cultural shows. It consists of four sections where kids can participate sharing videos about their daily life, positive and curious news, interesting facts to motivate their affection to knowledge and one section dedicated to solving their questions about COVID-19.
My #quarantinelife, Free Press Unlimited, Netherlands
Under the hashtag #quarantinelife young people can share their stories of who they are, where and what they are doing and what others can learn from them. Apart from giving young people a space to express themselves, it also became a media literacy project supporting young people’s ideas and skills.
Under the hashtag #quarantinelife young people can share their stories of who they are, where and what they are doing and what others can learn from them. Apart from giving young people a space to express themselves, it also became a media literacy project supporting young people’s ideas and skills.
Le Camp TFO en Famille, Group Média TFO, Canada
This initiative supports parents, teachers and kids by providing them with tools like daily webinars and DIY tutorials to help them plan their days at home. With its TV channel, social medias and numerous digital platforms, TFO makes its educational, smart, safe and original French content free and easy to access.
This initiative supports parents, teachers and kids by providing them with tools like daily webinars and DIY tutorials to help them plan their days at home. With its TV channel, social medias and numerous digital platforms, TFO makes its educational, smart, safe and original French content free and easy to access.
My Stay at Home Diary, Lopii Productions, Canada
My Stay at Home Diary is a kid- led docuseries that takes us into the lives of 10 different kids from around the world. Through their POV, we’ll see their lives, hear their worries and learn about what they’re doing to stay busy and have fun during this time of COVID-19.
My Stay at Home Diary is a kid- led docuseries that takes us into the lives of 10 different kids from around the world. Through their POV, we’ll see their lives, hear their worries and learn about what they’re doing to stay busy and have fun during this time of COVID-19.
Big Bad Boo Projects, Big Bad Boo, Canada
Big Bad Boo Studios has produced 5 animated Public Service Announcements to educate, calm, and empower children with regard to COVID-19 and social distancing during the global pandemic. It was provided to Ministries of Education and UNICEF in developing world countries for use on educational television to support their COVID-responses.
Big Bad Boo Studios has produced 5 animated Public Service Announcements to educate, calm, and empower children with regard to COVID-19 and social distancing during the global pandemic. It was provided to Ministries of Education and UNICEF in developing world countries for use on educational television to support their COVID-responses.