Cambodian Youth Blog for Democracy

June 17, 2005

Blogs (derived from Web logs) have become a powerful medium for people to communicate ideas on the Internet. As a creative new way to reach more youth in Cambodia, IRI is conducting a new training series for youth on blogging and the powerful effects this medium can have in expanding communication and democratic ideals. Blogs can create opportunities for grassroots activism and human rights awareness.

IRI assistant program officer Lux Mean has already conducted trainings in Siem Reap, Kampong Speu and Phnom Penh to members of the Youth Council of Cambodia (YCC) on how to establish blogs. YCC, an IRI partner, provides trainings to youth on democracy and human rights, and has an extensive network of youth activists throughout Cambodia that advocate for good governance and policies that emphasize youth needs.

Each blog training focuses on utilizing simple and existing technology to create a forum to exchange ideas, report on government activities in each province, and track the success of the YCC Youth Network’s in their advocacy efforts. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the training program, Lux has plans for more than a dozen more blog trainings to additional Youth Network members and youth organizations. While access to the Internet is still limited in Cambodia, the training also involves discussions on how to “multiply the impact” of blogs through newspapers coverage and radio.

Please visit Siem Reap's blog at: http://www.siemreapnetwork.blogspot.com

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