Charlotte Weinberg (right) and Amy Bank © Progressio

Charlotte Donea Weinberg is a specialist in social questions regarding the young and gender, and works in Nicaragua with Puntos de Encuentro in the production of the television series Sexto Sentido (Sixth Sense).  Charlotte is English.

Puntos de Encuentro (Meeting Points) is a very special radio and television producer, producing the television serial Sexto Sentido, the aim of which is not only to entertain but to give information to the viewers on important themes like the prevention of HIV, domestic violence or sexual abuse, all within its campaign "We are the same, we are different."    

The series began in 2001 when Charlotte began working as a specialist in youth social problems and gender with Puntos.   Since then the series has expanded constantly.   Charlotte explains, 'Puntos is developing rapidly and now the serial is being transmitted in three countries in the region.   This means new challenges, expectations and levels of quality for all Punto's products.   The radio programme is already on line and can be heard all over the world, the web page has gained recognition in the press as the best page, and the television continues to win awards.'

Charlotte's role includes:

• Production of scripts
• Special editions
• Systematization of television processes

The special episodes take up concrete themes like sexual abuse or HIV, 'The special episodes are considered from a gender perspective and concentrate on the lives of three women of different social conditions, HIV, sexual harassment and racism, and violence in the adolescent couple.'   These are not only shown on television but are given to organizations all over the country for their use in groups, together with a guide for a simpler and more effective use.   'The special episodes give life to the serial which exceeds the televised transmission.   It makes the episodes useful in theme work with groups all over the country and outside Nicaragua.'

Charlotte's work not only involves the production of guides but, together with all the guide team, she has coordinated a course in guides for 24 new participants.   The work of drawing up the guides is extremely rigorous on the themes, which makes the civil society organizations indispensable.   'The work of consultation has been a huge gain: opening a space in which girls of 10 to 14 can actively take part in the creation of a television programme is a new and worthwhile community approach in Nicaragua.'

'The development of the characters Claudia, Shevony, Martha, Mache and Laura was a joint work with organizations and women working in the fields of HIV, sexual abuse, psychology, religion, ethnics, identity and public policy which make a difference in the living of the themes.'

There is still a lot to do.   'The new series has strong views on the main themes and will open analysis on machismo, family values, economic survival, and power relations in the family."   Meanwhile the organization has ambitious plans.   "There are plans to carry forward, skill and integrate the television and Puntos' team, new guiders (coming out of the course) and the choice of a new list of actors.'

The work which Charlotte is doing with Puntos de Encuentro is financed  by Irish Aid and the Department for International Development of the British government.