Background Information.
More than 1.5 billion people in the world over are between the ages of 10 and 25(http://www.unfpa.org/adolescents/education.htm#media). This largest-ever generation of adolescents is approaching adulthood in a world their elders could not have imagined. Globalization, the AIDS pandemic, electronic communications and a changing trend in fashions, lifestyle and culture have irrevocably shifted the landscape. The scenario is mixed. As young people share ideas, values, music and symbols through mass media and electronic technology, a global youth culture has emerged. Many young people are organizing and networking themselves in both formal and informal ways. But more than half live in poverty, on less than $2 per day. Often they lack access to the technology and information. Many also face social inequality, poor schools, gender discrimination, unemployment and inadequate health systems.
Young people in Uganda like their peers in other parts of the world are too, faced by these critical issues. The youth are threatened by pandemic diseases like HIV and AIDS as well social evils like drug abuse, prostitution, gambling and many of them have found themselves plunged into economic crisis and insecurity by their condition and struggling without services and support system in impoverished communities. A lot of financial resources both from government and development partners have so far been spent to address these challenges but still the gap is wide and needs more intervention from all parties including the young people themselves. The children and youths do not have a direct platform to raise voices and as a result many have sadly resigned to do nothing. This calls for the need to wake-up the community and involve young people more in the affairs that affect them. Youth involvement and participation is very vital because young people have the right to be involved and to have their voice heard in decisions that affect them. Participation is a fundamental right of all people regardless of age. As far as young people are concerned, the right is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child 1989, Article 12.
Actions and practical involvement of the young people in activities which have tangible results and direct impact in their life other than mere talks and complains with folded arms is an investment with a lucrative return. A friendly information sharing approach makes this more attractive, appealing and relevant!
Teens Media Group (TMG) is therefore a media and public relations agency established by a collaboration of youths working in the media and youths involved in the performing arts industry (theartre Artists, local musicians and sound/audio producers) to provide a platform where young people can easily access friendly communications, inspirational teachings and guidance to become morally upright, resourceful and contributing members of the society. Founded in December 2010 as an indigenous voluntary non profit BUT public benefit initiative, TMG is registered and authorized to operate in Uganda by the national NGO Board under the Non-Governmental Organizations Registration/Incorporation Act, 2006. We implement our programmes through a variety of media and the performing arts production and work with a network of media and young people focused agencies both of indigenous and international origin. The group is also a registered member of Lira Ngo Forum and Young People - Self Coordinating Entity (YP-SCE). Teens Media Group is a smoke, alcohol and violence free environment.
Aims of Teens Media Group
• To create experience, environments and relationships that will enable the young people to thrive and discover their potentials, think creatively and make informed decision.
• To immerse the youths in a culture that values their capability, nurtures their individuality and unleashes their intelligence.
• To develop self-determination, self-assurance and self-confidence in young people and encourage a belief that they can make useful contribution to their community and country.
• To build a repository of hope for the disadvantaged youths by putting forward ideas about social justice, human rights and appreciation that everyone is capable of rising and contributing to the betterment of the society.
• To strengthen and support social protection interventions to provide safety for young people in the world of work, and enhance youths participation in allocation of community resources and owning means of production.
Functions of Teens Media Group
The group pursues the above aims through;
• Community mobilization on youths and children affairs.
• Development, Production and dissemination of friendly communications (audio, visual and prints), theatricals, gospel literature, and others for the young people.
• Advocacy, research and consultancy services on youths and children issues.
• Capacity building and skills training for the young people.
• Media activities and artistic production: radio programmes, film show, organizing and coordinating youth’s events (family concerts, health fair, seminars and sporting activities).
• Mobilizing and coordinating support services for the activities of the young people.
• Teen’s Events management
Vision of the group
In performing the above activities, TEENS MEDIA GROUP wants to see; an empowered, informed and involved community of young people, instrumental and sharing the challenges and responsibility in transforming and enhancing the effectiveness of their generation.
Mission statement
Teens Media Group is a voluntary youth’s initiative that seeks to impart information, foster critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal communications skills to the children and youths in order to enhance their effectiveness in challenging harmful gender norms, making informed, responsible and voluntary decisions and navigating a safe and secured passage to adulthood.
Core areas of intervention
• Youths entrepreneurship/ economic empowerment and poverty eradication programmes; business skill development and training, talents promotion and career development activities.
• Health marketing and communication: especially in the areas of adolescents’ reproductive health, family health and sanitation, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS and responsible parenthood /family planning, environmental protection and health and safety at work place.
• Promotion of young peoples’ intervention in peace building, advocacy for justice and good governance; especially the responsibility of the youths in promoting their rights, youths participation in promotion and working , campaign to avert child abuse, gender violence, and youths conflict with law.
Sources of funds
The group derives its material and financial resources from members’ contributions, support from well-wishers, income generating activities, fund raising, donations and other lawful sources determined by the General Assembly. Activities requiring personal attendance and participation of members and implementers are largely done voluntarily.
Organization structure.
Teens Media Group has a basic organizational structure with the General Assembly at the apex to steer democratic governance, the Corporate Executive to oversee programme activities and specialized implementation units for project administration and implementation. The main guiding instruments are the group’s constitution of December 2010 and different operational policies and other regulations which are developed from time to time for effective and smooth operation of the group.
Do not hesitate to contact us incase to seek for any clarification or any other inquiry.
Thanks
Ms. Susan Elite
Head of Corporate Relations
teenssource@gmail.com
+256 777 724913
