In the West Bank, Radio Station Helps Youth Trade Despair for Dreams
(June 2, 2008) Growing up under military occupation, two intifadas, and constant sieges, Palestinian youth have been denied a real childhood. Young people with a median age of 17, who represent the largest demographic in the Palestinian population, have endured prolonged school closures and witnessed family members killed and arrested. Some have turned to using slingshots and stones as part of Palestinian uprisings.
With support from Internews Network’s Aswatona project for the West Bank and Gaza, one West Bank radio station has begun to address the rampant frustration and despair among local youth through a special radio program produced by and for young people.
“In Nablus the largest demographic is youth,” says Alaa Badarna, the Program Director for the Tariq Al Mahabeh station. “In this city there are no jobs, there are curfews and sieges, and often the city is completely closed. Because of this, the youth have nothing to do. It can be so dangerous outside.”
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