What is Makutano Junction?

Makutano Junction is a Kenyan produced soap opera which aims to both entertain and educate English speaking African audiences. Set in a fictional Kenyan village, it follows the life and loves of a colourful cast. The government's Department for International Development supported Mediae (Makutano Junction's Kenyan production company) to produce teaching resources to work alongside Makutano Junction for use in UK schools, introducing issues such as the UN Millenium Development Goals, Soaps and Stereotypes, Rights and Wrongs and Relationships.

The project

In 2008/9, One World Network North East was chosen as one of 3 pilot regions in the UK and supported 24 secondary schools to use the programmes across the curriculum. The schools received training and ongoing support aswell as DVDs of the first four series, and access to the website.

The outcomes

The teachers involved in the project developed schemes of work across different age groups and curriculum subjects including Art, Geograhy, English and Leadership & Management Studies.

Feedback included:

Y7 Geography: (Topics included 'Relationships' and 'Comparing Kenya and the UK') 'My Y7 class in Geography absolutely loved it'

Y9 Art: "Makutano proved to be a great starting point for discussion and the kids seemed to really enjoy it. We used it as a platform to elicit discussion about global issues"

Y12 Enrichment: "MJ has gone down really well with my group -quite alot of them have gone as far as to download the ringtone, so you can hear the theme tune ringing out in the common room"

What can Makutano Junction do for you?

Although the project is no longer funded, the programmes and teaching materials are still accessible online (programmes are streamed). OASES can offer professional development and guidance for whole staff teams, or individual support for global dimension coordinators, subject leaders and others. For more information including links to specific subjects and themes, please go to;

www.makutanojunction.org.uk