As part of the broader Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship initiative, the Voices of Democracy – A Civic Media Fellowship focused on empowering undergraduate students to explore civic issues through media creation, research, and public engagement. The fellowship emphasized media literacy, civic journalism, and digital advocacy to encourage informed, inclusive, and pluralistic public debate.
Through the programme, participating students investigated civic and urban challenges, engaged with formal and informal stakeholders, and explored community-led approaches to addressing issues affecting everyday life. Their work covered subjects such as sustainable waste management, urban infrastructure, neighbourhood parks, and fire safety in urban markets.
The fellowship provided students with an opportunity to connect their academic learning with practical civic engagement and to consider how media could be used to raise awareness, communicate research findings, and encourage dialogue around public concerns.
The initiative reflected Shehri-CBE’s commitment to strengthening youth participation in democratic processes by supporting young people in examining public issues, engaging with communities, and contributing to constructive civic discourse.
