CHILDREN'S DISASTER RISK REDUCTION SONGWRITING WORKSHOP LAOS
Child DRR songwriting workshop Paxeng Laos.
Ma ma ma - DRR after school child club song
The Challenge
Save the Children NZ needed to promote their after-school Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) child clubs in Laos to encourage free membership and participation. The goal was to inspire children to join while teaching them essential DRR principles.
Our Approach
We designed and delivered a series of engaging songwriting workshops in the mountainous region of Paxeng province. Key steps included:
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Creative Workshops
Children were split into groups, each guided by an adult mentor, to write songs centered on DRR themes. -
Action Dances
Groups developed action dances to accompany their songs, reinforcing their key messages through movement. -
Lively Showcase
After 30 minutes of preparation, all groups performed their songs and dances in a lively, enthusiastic showcase.
Song Development for DRR Education in Laos
The Transformational team recorded all performances during the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) songwriting workshops in Laos, capturing the children’s creative energy and ideas. These performances provided valuable insights into how the children connected with DRR themes.
Following the workshops, analysis of the video recordings led to the creation of "Ma Ma Ma" (Come, Come, Come), a catchy and engaging song designed to encourage children across Laos to participate in DRR clubs. This song serves as a tool to promote disaster preparedness education and inspire young people to join community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Impact
The workshops were a resounding success, with children displaying extraordinary enthusiasm and creativity. Field representatives from Save the Children NZ and MFAT NZ observed the workshops firsthand, witnessing the children’s excitement.
Save the Children continues to use "Ma Ma Ma" as a vital resource to expand participation in their DRR child clubs, amplifying their message across Laos.