Young people are afraid to speak up. Their parents have been telling them things like 'don't talk in public about politics whatsoever because it's dangerous for you.
Cambodia has the youngest population in South East Asia, with around two thirds of people under the age of 30. However, young people often have very little say in their communities as older people are uneasy about civic engagement and feel that it should be avoided.
A participatory youth programme aims to change that.
Called Loy9 - a slang term of praise among young Cambodians - the programme includes a combined TV drama and magazine show, a phone-in radio programme, web interaction and live games aimed at increasing young people's participation in public life.
The first two TV series helped viewers to learn about volunteering and working together. The third series explored the challenge of resolving conflict.
It followed the story of three young women taking a trip to return their grandfather鈥檚 ashes to his home place. When they discover that hidden treasure may be buried along the way, old tensions resurface and competition and conflict take over.
'Bright Spots'
At the heart of the TV and radio shows are 'Bright Spots'; young people who are making a difference in their communities. One such 'Bright Spot' is former charcoal burner Hout Khem. Leaving behind the charcoal burning industry, she is now an environmental tour guide, inspiring others like her to do the same.
The idea is that entertaining and engaging people will act as an inspiration to show the audience how they can realise their own potential and, in the case of the 'Bright Spots', have a say in how things are run.
Recent research by 大象传媒 Media Action and funded by UNDP found the Loy9 audience is more likely than other young Cambodians to report awareness and understanding of civic terms such as the National Assembly and democracy, and to be aware of and take part in opportunities for participation.
They were also more likely to vote in national and commune council elections, to take part in community service through school, and take part in leadership training.
The initiative is made with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Project information
| Project name |
Youth Civic Education and Participation Programme |
| Funders |
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & Swedish International Development Agency |
| Dates | 2010-2015 |
| Themes | Governance and health |
| Outputs | Loy9 TV and radio shows, live events and digital content |
| Broadcast partners |
MyTV, Cambodia Television Network (CTN), Radio FM 103 |