This project, implemented in partnership with a network of universities, has trained 1,200 young people from selected universities and communities on digital storytelling for empowered voices. Community Media for Youth (CM4Y) is a community-based transformative learning partnership that seeks to empower marginalized communities and groups in Kenya through the development of active community media partnerships, knowledge sharing and training. The project aims to utilize information, media and communications technology to build community capacity and empower the voices of the disenfranchised. Established 6 years ago, CM4Y continues to expand through active collaboration with our partners. CM4Y explores ways in which community radio and media can be made accessible to diverse Kenyan communities so they may harness the benefits of the digital age.

Conceptualizing Community Media

The project was conceptualized through a Participatory, Learning and Research on a community-based youth empowerment approach.

The development of the methodology, draws on, and synthesizes the principles and ethos of community-based learning and community learning. Its development is shaped and driven by four basic propositions:

1. Young people’s learning experiences are enriched by the development of collaborative communities of learning.

2. Students can be drivers of knowledge creation and learning in community/university partnerships.

3. Community-based learning promotes community learning.

4. PLWs promote capacity-building and empowerment through knowledge sharing and reciprocal learning exchanges.

Drawing on experiential learning approach can best be represented in the form of a model that requires participating youth to engage with themselves as well as our partners; assess how the outcomes of this engagement assists in addressing community needs; plan and develop all aspects of the partnership activities; and create and implement the interventions. Each stage of the model is connected to and shapes the next in a virtuous cycle of community building and action. Critical reflection and collective deliberation through dialogue are essential to inform and shape the actions necessary at each stage of the process.

To learn more about The Youth Café and Community Media for Youth, contact us.