Salam Shabab: Views and Voices of Iraqi Youth

During a 4-week span in July 2010, more than 50 Iraqi teens gathered in Erbil to get to know each other, exchange views on peace in their country, and compete in a series of challenges designed to appeal to a TV audience consisting of their peers. Producers worked with Iraqi educators and youth organisations to design a peacebuilding curriculum as the backbone of the television programme. In the process, the youth reportedly expressed some of the key elements that shaped their perspectives on peace: citizenship, respect for diversity, civic action, and self-confidence.

Then, the participants chose captains for their team and then faced off in the sport challenges, matching wits and creativity in the mental challenges. Finally, they presented their short films and performances in front of a live studio audience that voted for the winners. Each winning team would then compete in the championship round. The reality show was broadcast as a 10-episode series over a network of Iraqi satellite channels beginning on October 8 2011, and it had its United States (US) premiere on January 25 2012.

Visit the Salam Shabab website for further details, videos, and links to Salam Shabab on social media websites.

Youth, Democracy and Governance, Conflict.

According to research cited by USIP, nearly half of the Iraqi population is under 19 years old; they are growing up during a time of "seemingly constant change, insecurity, and uncertainty....Many young Iraqis believe that nobody listens to them and hence their needs remain unaddressed by their leaders. This sense has led to defeatism and distrust of politics, in general, as shown in an Iraqi Government study that indicates that 41 percent of youth do not trust politics, and only 34 percent believe that political parties are important in public life....Yet while Iraqi youth are disappointed with politicians and their own lack of influence in the current national reconstruction process, they remain optimistic about their future roles and power to create change. Over 86 percent of them plan to participate in future national elections, and 72 percent agree that it is their right as citizens to participate in the political process. This optimism is also evident at the community level..."

Regarding their perceptions on building peace, Iraqi youth indicate that peace in Iraq can be achieved through unifying factors such as cross-cultural dialogue. According to them, the similarities among diverse people are more powerful in building peace than their differences. If given the opportunity, a vast majority of Iraqi youth are willing to take on a peacebuilding role, in part by connecting with other youth in Iraq and internationally.

Selected quotations from participants:

• "I was isolated before, but I overcame this. I want to spread peace in Iraq and to other countries that have a bad opinion of us." Boy, 17, Tikrit
• "I now know I have the power to create change. I have my own style. I am good with speeches and good at talking. But now I will seek more information and find out the truth before going into a discussion. I will have evidence before talking with my brother." Girl, 16, Baghdad
• "I was shy and had no respect for responsibility. I was afraid to be social. Now I've changed 180 degrees. Now I know how to mix with others, and I respect people and accept responsibility for how I use my time." Girl, 17, Basra

[Editor's note: On June 6 2012, the “Salam Shabab” TV series for Iraqi youth received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Special Prize at the Prix Jeunesse International, a competition for quality children’s and youth programming. Click here for more information.]