Media
Media development action with informed and engaged societies
Media
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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South Africa: cell phones, youth, collective voice, social change?

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South Africa: cell phones, youth, collective voice, social change?

A new mobile-based programme will soon be launched in South Africa called U–Report.  Initiated by UNICEF and partners, it is designed to let young people, called U-Reporters, share their ideas and opinions on social issues affecting their communities through sms-based polls and social media.  This information is instantly mapped and analysed, giving real-time insights on how young people see their world and what they think is most important. In turn, these aggregated views can be used by development partners in their advocacy with governments, and are even shared directly with government departments.  Click here for more information about how U-Report works. 

U-Report is already being implemented in Zimbabwe, Swaziland  and Zambia, in addition to many other African countries.  We would love to hear your thoughts on this new mobile phone-based initiative aimed at increasing young people’s participation in social change.  What are your experiences around mobile phone –based initiatives in South Africa and/or with working with youth to engage them as active citizens?  Please share your experiences and insights within this group, which consists mainly of Communication Initiative/Soul Beat Africa network members based in, or working in, South Africa.