Background

Support Children and Young People (SCY) is a Cambodian run youth media NGO based in Phnom Penh since 2003. SCY is giving Children and Young People opportunities to participate in media advocacy through “Youth Today” program produced by children and young people, for children and young people. In its 6 years of operation SCY has trained almost 100 young people in media production, produced over 260 on issues impacting children and young people in Cambodia for broadcast and organized high profile youth forums and events in partnership with international development agencies and government. SCY is a unique and exciting example in Cambodia of youth led development with diverse outputs across policy development, social and political participation, networking, role modelling, entrepreneurship, training and employment and a clear illustration of the demand and importance of this in a country where 70% of the population is under 30. In 2010 SCY will produce a pilot TV program as part of the UNDP project Strengthening Democracy and Electoral Processes in Cambodia. The Youth Today Forum show will be a discussion around what impacts youth today in Cambodia with a strong focus on a diverse youth voice - across genders, across provinces. The show will also enable Cambodian youth to get face to face with the people involved in making decisions about their future. The show will feature documentaries and field reportage by the young reporters from SCY’s current Youth Today show to frame debate and discussion. The main component of the show is set in a studio with between 60-75 youth audience members and a range of special guests. Guests will be open to questions and comments from the audience, giving young people a unique opportunity to discuss issues that impact their lives and their futures with the people that make decisions around these issues. SCY hopes to extend this pilot program into a regular TV show that will enable youth the opportunity to have a unique public platform for discussion and debate.

Mission

To provide opportunities to children and young people in Cambodia to raise their concern, to speak out and voice their interests to nation and international audiences through the media.

Vision

We see that a lot of children and young people in Cambodia need opportunities for self expression through media. This mean they need additional support and opportunities from all of us.

Project Summary

SCY’s E.I. project has been established in partnership with Oxfam America in order to inform Cambodians about the Extractive Industries (E.I.) and their impacts on Cambodia. Cambodia appears to be on the verge of an oil, gas and minerals windfall. If managed well, revenue from these new extractive industries could provide Cambodia with the best chance in a generation to rebuild infrastructure and lift itself out of poverty. However, the threat of the resource curse looms large. SCY has developed an innovative cross media strategy to communicate to the youth of Cambodia about the extractive industries in an attempt to promote debate and accountability amongst the core players in this emerging industry. With outputs across radio, television and online as well as a diverse program incorporating training, education and media production the E.I. Project is a three year undertaking initiated by SCY in an endeavour to encourage awareness of an issue that could be crucial in the future development of Cambodia.