In partnership with UNICEF, Equal Access International (EAI) launched the “WASL Public Information Campaign” in June 2013 to amplify the voices of Yemeni adolescents through a mass media campaign and numerous public information activities. EAI worked closely with adolescent leaders and community members across eight governorates to promote positive attitudes towards the constructive roles adolescents can play in helping shape Yemen’s future.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

In 2013, as Yemen continued to move through a transitional period, security issues were a constant threat that EAI-Yemen was prepared for during implementation of all its activities.

EAI produced 22 episodes of its radio series, Let’s Be the Best Together, which focused on adolescent issues important to the community including child marriage, child labor, and ways youth can play a positive role in their community’s development. The episodes were broadcast on nine local radio stations in the eight target governorates of Sana’a, Aden, Taiz, Lahj, Hodeidha, Hadramout, Dhamar, Ibb, Mareb, and Al-Iwaf. Moreover, 17 community reporters (8 female and 9 male) from the eight governorates received training on the roles and responsibilities of community reporters, such as interviewing techniques, sensitive reporting, and journalist ethics.

In addition to radio programs, EAI launched several public information campaigns led by adolescents to raise awareness of youth civic participation. Activities included creating posters, flyers, billboards, and wall paintings across 10 governorates; to 15 promotional appearances on local TV programs highlighting the project’s activities and issues. Lastly, EAI produced four short films that addressed different issues facing youth in Yemen. The various activities implemented during this project received public attention, with mentions in more than 40 print and online news articles across the nation.