Over the course of five intensive days, and under the expert lead of Nick Danziger and Claudia Modonesi, GC Central Asia students gained practical skills in visual media and storytelling, with a specific focus on advocating for children’s rights. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on assignments, the course helped students to understand how visual narratives can raise awareness, foster dialogue, and influence policy-making.
Students developed and filmed their own short videos on a range of human rights topics, applying the tools and techniques presented by the instructors. The format was both practical and interactive, creating an environment where motivation, originality, and professional standards went hand in hand.
“The Arts and Human Rights course was one of the most inspiring and emotionally impactful courses I have taken. I created short films in real time and received direct, constructive feedback from the lecturers. This hands-on approach helped me develop concrete skills in visual communication and taught me how to express complex human rights issues in a way that resonates with a broader audience.”
Kristina Ryabova, MAHRS student
Throughout the week, students tackled a range of challenging and sensitive themes, such as human trafficking and child abuse in the media space. By applying the methods taught in class, students were able not only to build technical media skills but also to sharpen their awareness of ethical storytelling, audience engagement, and the power of emotional impact.
“Nick and Claudia approached such complex topics through creativity, which was truly impressive. They managed to create a very comfortable and open environment, which at the same time encouraged productive and meaningful work. The assignments were relevant and thought-provoking. Their expertise and the practical tools they shared will undoubtedly help us in our future careers.”
Darya Vasilenko, MAHRS student
A central question running through the course—“What change do I want to bring about through my creation, product, or visual message?”—encouraged students to think critically not just about how they communicate, but why. For many, the course served as a springboard to begin thinking about longer-term advocacy projects that could combine human rights education, multimedia, and policy impact.
In parallel with the course, GC Central Asia developed a series of video interviews (‘Ray of Light video podcast’) to raise awareness about children’s rights by spotlighting the voices of those making a real impact on the lives of children in Central Asia and beyond, and highlighting such urgent children’s rights issues, including child labor, access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from violence. Karlygach Nurmanbetova, MAHRS Programme Specialist, and Aiym Chotoeva, MAHRS Programme Assistant, also filmed a video podcast with Nick and Claudia during their stay in Bishkek.
The unique course ‘Arts & Human Rights: Pathways to Sustainability’ left a lasting impression on the students—both for the skills they gained and for the mindset shift it inspired. As visual storytelling becomes an increasingly powerful medium in the human rights field, courses like this one will continue to equip the next generation of advocates to make children’s rights visible, relatable, and impactful.
