Frequently Asked Questions

What service does illuminAid provide?

illuminAid provides training and equipment to organizations throughout the developing world that allow them to effectively leverage video technology in their various missions.

Why video?

Our partners have marked on increased audience participation when they incorporate video into their regular work.  Video screenings are imperative when working in areas of high illiteracy rates.  This is because it is a medium that all viewers can understand, engage in, and learn from. Video screenings have the capability to maximize beneficiaries compared to traditional methods of in person interventions. The message is reliable with each screening as the content does not change between each viewing. With Catholic Relief Services in Guatemala, presentations that incorporated video and the handheld projectors we provided had their attendance improved by 33%. To learn more about the impact video can have in development programs, we recommend this comprehensive summary by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the impact of video on behavior change efforts.

What is a Video Education Workshop?

A Video Education Workshop (VEW) is a four-day training with a combination of lecture and hands on training where illuminAid staff and LVTs teach participants how to plan, shoot and edit a video. These are interactive sessions that teach trainees how to use videomaking as a tool for behavior change communication. Video production is managed by participants who film in the community, where screenings will be held in alongside the locals. By the end of the four days, all attendees will have participated in creating a video and have the knowledge to effectively utilize the provided equipment. Stay tuned for a more in-depth video breakdown of what a workshop is and what one entails.

What is a Local Video Trainer?

A Local Video Trainer (LVT) is an in-country specialists in videography and video editing who aids illuminAid staff in training participants. LVTs co-facilitate lectures, serve as translators, and provide post workshop training sessions. We currently leverage 1,500 LVTs in 55 countries, and are always looking to expand our network. If you are interested in becoming an LVT, you can apply here.

Who are Videomakers without Borders?

Videomakers without Borders are video making experts who volunteer to travel with and aid illuminAid and our LVT staff during our workshops. It’s a great way to travel the world while applying your own expertise in a way that can truly make a difference and provide real change in the world’s most underserved communities. If you are interested in becoming a Videomaker Without Borders, you can apply here.

What equipment does illuminAid provide to its partnered organizations?

We provide equipment through three separate kits--camera, charging and projector. Our charging kits are solar powered, allowing their use in communities that may lack electricity, and we supply small, easily-transportable cordless projectors. To learn more about our equipment, visit our corresponding web page. 

Who started illuminAid?

illuminAid was founded in 2008 by Executive Director Matt York. Prior to illuminAid, Matt founded and ran Videomaker Inc., a leading publisher on video education. His passion for video production and the potential impact it could have in developing nations prompted Matt to start illuminAid, then known as One Mobile Player per Trainer. To learn more about Matt and his background or any of our other staff members, you can read more about our team here.

What is behavior change communication?

Communication that promotes positive changes in behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and norms. Behavior change communication entails using communication by trusted advisors to emulate and teach recipients on the positive behavior change. illuminAid trains its partners on utilizing Information Communication Technologies, specifically video, to demonstrate and develop positive behavior patterns for at-risk populations.  To learn more about how video can impact behavior, read our blog post on the subject.

Does illuminAid have a privacy policy for donors and global partners?

Yes, illuminAid has a privacy policy that can be accessed at the bottom of our homepage. You can also view it here. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.

Further questions?

Feel free to reach us through our contact page or call us directly at (530) 343-7868.