A Journey of Growth and Impact!

"Oumour T'hemna" is a pioneering public interest media project that began in 2021 to empower Tunisia’s youth through journalism and community engagement. Initially, as a small pilot project, we traveled to various regions across the country to conduct auditions with young people who were stepping into the world of media for the first time. Both the participants and our team embarked on this journey with excitement and curiosity, unsure of what to expect.

Over the past four years, the project has evolved significantly. The group of young participants has changed, as have our methods and the content we deliver. These adjustments reflect the dynamic nature of both the participants and the project's objectives. The youth involved have undergone remarkable transformations, growing from hesitant beginners who doubted their abilities into confident media figures capable of addressing real-world issues.

At the beginning, many participants expressed concerns about their abilities, saying things like, "My voice sounds bad," or "I can’t imagine myself presenting a program." Yet, through consistent practice, feedback, and targeted training, they gained confidence. We taught them how to manage their voice, control their presence, and improve their delivery. These exercises not only boosted their media skills but also transformed their self-perception. After just a few days, they were eager to step out from behind the scenes and share their voices with the world.

Our training program equips young people with more than just technical media skills. It fosters a sense of dual identity: as emerging journalists and as active members of civil society. The diversity among the participants, whether in terms of cultural background, education, or life experience, creates a rich and varied media landscape that reflects Tunisia’s multifaceted society. These young individuals are empowered to use journalism as a tool for social impact.

One of the standout aspects of our project has been the introduction of Townhall-style meetings. In February 2024, we launched our first Townhall, focusing on youth centers and the pressing issues that matter most to the younger generation. This platform allows young journalists to engage directly with officials and stakeholders, asking tough questions and advocating for change. These Townhalls are just the beginning, with more scheduled to take place by the end of 2024, continuing the focus on youth issues and expanding the conversations.

A core part of our mission is to make these voices heard across all 24 governorates of Tunisia, broadcasting through community radio stations. Our long-term vision is to connect Tunisia’s regions, providing a platform where citizens’ concerns can be raised and addressed by those in power. We aim to create meaningful conversations, tackling stalled projects and issues that affect everyday Tunisians.

"Public Interest Media" is a project built on the belief that journalism can drive change when it's in the hands of those closest to the issues. We are excited to see these young journalists take the next step in their journey, and we are committed to supporting them as they continue to explore solutions journalism, community journalism, and media that serve the public interest.