Empowering the voices of youth in the Maghreb

Youth shine in Moroccan debate podcasts

A series of Moroccan youth debates reached an audience of 1.9 million social media users in 2023. IMS partner the Munathara Initiative trained and mentored 10 young people, including six women, from different cities including Al-Hoceima, Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca, to produce debate podcasts.

The episodes covered social media and traditional journalism, criminal law reform in Morocco and the challenges of rebuilding in earthquake-affected areas. Trainers encouraged the participants to critically analyse the subject matter, explore diverse perspectives and formulate compelling arguments.

The combined online and traditional broadcasts helped transcend geographical boundaries and demographics and smashed the target of 50,000 listeners. Online platform Madar1 and radio station Joussour produced and broadcast the three podcasts using professional studios to ensure high audio quality.

IMS’ involvement in the youth debates is part of the broader Danish-Arab Partnership Programme to strengthen independent media and human rights in the Middle East. The youth debates are set to expand in 2024 with more partnerships and broadcast opportunities in five regions. Some 550 young people have applied to be part of the next round, which has 50 spots.

Tunisia teens get a journalism kickstart

Nearly 175 teenagers from under-represented Tunisian regions are reporting on their local communities as part of a youth journalism training project. IMS partner Al Khatt and the Jaridaty Network selected young people aged 13-18 to participate in media training. The workshops covered reporting, media literacy, video and podcast production, graphic design, marketing, digital security and photojournalism.

At the December 2023 media camps, the teenagers put their newly acquired journalistic skills to the test producing three videos, three podcasts and a newsletter.

“(It was an) opportunity for training, skill acquisition and genuine learning,” one participant said.

The project was funded by proceeds from the Children’s Calendar run by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and Danish public service broadcaster DR. IMS was the 2022 NGO partner for the Children’s Calendar.

This article was originally published in the IMS Annual Report 2023.