In recent years traditional media has become unprogressive as a means to spread the opinions of unheard individuals, giving a way to alternative e-media sources for the collection and sharing of information. Especially in the regions of Azerbaijan where youth do not actively participate in addressing social and economic issues of their communities, e-media needs to be spread for access to accurate and unbiased information. In order to mobilize citizens to participate more actively in the collection and dissemination of quality information important for them and their communities, Eurasia Partnership Foundation launched 6-day trainings on “Social Media” for 150 young people in total from Qazakh, Aghstafa, Samukh, Barda and Agcabadi regions in the framework of Citizen Journalism E-Media Program.
The goal of the Project is to develop a group of active citizens possessing essential skills relating to the usage of non-traditional media and in turn, engage them in solving their community problems. The Project is expected to have impact on the youth in two stages. First stage includes 6-day trainings on the importance of a diverse and Independent media, while the second stage aimes at creating a network of active citizens engaged in e-media.
As a result of the project, EPF formed a group of youth able to express and share their thoughts and are eager to use newly gained capabilities in raising, discussing and solving the issues of their communities. The trained youth started to use a well-based network initiated by EPF (regiondan.info) by sharing their thoughts and writing on web-page accessible to public.
Yet, driving economic factors such as lack of computer equipment add to the difficulties in the regions for the trained young people to access internet. To address this problem in its own right, EPF decided to provide computers and internet connection for the trained youth. In this regard, several local NGOs in the target regions expressed desire to support the initiative and provide resources required for the successful accomplishment of the project.
In addition to that, EPF applied to Bakcell to acquire more support on the initiative. Bakcell, one of the leading mobile operators in Azerbaijan, generously provided 8 computers to EPF. In her interview, PR Manager of Bakcell Company Parvana Mammadova stated that Bakcell has a clear social position. Being an Azerbaijani company it wants to be a responsible representative of the Azerbaijan society. With this purpose Bakcell created its corporate social responsibility (CSR) philosophy through which it supports the most vulnerable groups in the society and helps them to improve their lives.
The equipment donated by Bakcell was made available for the participants in the offices of regional local NGOs providing support and space to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice. During evaluation of the trainings, majority of the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunities made available for them and suggested to continue these training series and expand to other regions as well.
Citizen Journalism E-Media Program, established by Eurasia Partnership Foundation, is implemented with the financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Copyright © 2007 Eurasia Partnership. Last updated: 14 May 2012
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