Re-inventing Community radio in the Smartphone Era: a low threshold media toolbox for the construction of inclusive youth communities and critical citizenship

Background We applied for the "Re-inventing Community Radio in the Smartphone Era" project because we see a critical need to: Empowering young people: the project's focus on creating a "low threshold media toolbox" came from a desire to make media creation accessible to a wider range of young people, regardless of technical expertise. This fosters their voices and gives them a platform to express themselves. Promote inclusivity: the focus on "inclusive youth communities" suggests the project aims to bridge divides and create spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can connect and collaborate. Develop critical citizenship: the emphasis on "critical citizenship" suggests the project wants to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to think critically about the world around them, participate actively in their communities, and hold power to effect change. Objectives Giving young people a voice: by providing them with tools to start a community radio, the project can help amplify youth perspectives and concerns. Building stronger communities: by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, the project can help bridge divides and create a stronger sense of community among young people. Promoting critical thinking: by equipping young people with the tools for critical citizenship, the project can empower them to become active agents of change in their communities. Implementation 1. Development of a Toolbox (O1 IO1): This project has created a "Toolbox for media literacy, democracy, active citizenship & technical implementation of community radio." The toolbox consists of how-to-manuals aimed at different target groups: Teachers/Trainers/Researchers Youth Workers Technicians 2. Training for Youth Workers (O2 IO2): A separate training titled "Pedagogical process with the youth towards community radio for active citizenship" has been developed for youth workers. This curriculum incorporates training sessions on: Media literacy Democracy and active citizenship Community radio production techniques (scriptwriting, recording, editing) Youth engagement strategies Techniques for fostering inclusivity and critical thinking Achievements Overall, this project has focused on creating resources and training youth workers to empower young people to participate in community radio and become active citizens.