About Pul-E-Jawan

What is Pul-e-Jawan?

Pul-e-Jawan literally means “Bridges of Youth” in Dari, as well as in Urdu and Hindi. The aim of Pul-e-Jawan is to transform the conflict in South Asia by highlighting youth perspectives on common challenges and aspirations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. By facilitating an exchange between citizen journalists of these three countries, and providing a platform to discuss issues usually ignored in the debate about security, Internews Networks hopes to create a paradigm shift in the discussions about peace and reconciliation in the region. This initiative is supported by Ploughshares Fund.

How does it work?

Fifteen rising citizen journalists were invited to Kabul from 25 – 29, September to be a part of a regional forum on security. They met policymakers, NGO representatives, academics, journalists and experts in the field. They also attended a master class in peace and citizen journalism and designed the project’s in-country program.

After the regional meeting, the participants returned to their countries to lead a local group young citizen journalists in collaborative media production and online discussions.Their contributions are posted on this site to start debate on peace and stabilization in the region.

In April, two additional forums were held in Pakistan and India to engage wider audience in the discussion and present the work of Pul-e-Jawan to local audience.

Who can be a part of Pul-e-Jawan?

Citizen journalists from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan can participate. An interest in security issues and policy-making are much more desirable than technical skills on the Web. While the main meet in Kabul was capped to 15 participants, all citizen journalists interested in these issues can contribute to the Website and participate in the country forums.

Internews is implementing this project with the support from Ploughshares Fund. It leads the program in Afghanistan.

Bytes for All is the local partner in Pakistan and Digital Empowerment Foundation in India.

You can also find Pul-e-Jawan on Facebook and Twitter.