The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Wall Newspaper - Nepal

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A highly successful attempt to provide news to rural villagers of Nepal through a newspaper. The newspaper is posted in a local area where many people gather, and is read by passers-by. It is an alternative to the primarily urban press and is evaluated by the villagers yearly to improve shortcomings. The objective of the newspaper is to provide locally relevant news to areas with poor media penetration and literacy.
Communication Strategies

A single page newspaper focussing on rural events and ideas which is posted in a public area for villagers to read. It uses simple Nepali as the language of choice for people whose literacy is low. Good accessibility is facilitated through large type and simple print with a lot of pictures and graphics. Journalists visit rural villages to get information and to create the newspaper in a language that the villagers will understand with relevant stories for the people.
Development Issues

The newspaper deals with topics such as conservation, environmental protection, local events (such as disaster control in fire season), and health issues like diarrhea and oral re-hydration. National and International issues are discussed in thenewspaper to allow for villagers to become more aware of their world.
Key Points

A severe lack of information in rural areas even though access to information is a basic right in Nepal makes it difficult for villagers to gain information about the outside world. Low literacy (which is on the rise) and small purchasing power make the task even more difficult. The newspaper is supported as important post-literacy material.
Partners



Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), World Conservation Union (IUCN)

Sources

Development Communication Report, Spreading News and Literacy in Nepal: The Batabaran Wall Newspaper. Sanjay Upandhya, No. 79 1992/4. Adapted from and article written in NEFEJ Newsletter.