Extensive research into the use of media and access to communication technologies in Afghanistan can be visually explored through a useful mapping tool linked to the most comprehensive survey of media access in the country to date.

Created by media NGO, Internews, the interactive map displays results across each province by use of radio, television, mobile phone and internet, as well as segmented by gender and location.

Working with a team this week in producing content for a multi media venture for young people in the Former Soviet Union.   So how do content producers, often working in some isolation, keep coming up with fresh ideas?  This creative little video has some ideas about how to do just that – stay creative.

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

I’m a tail-end baby boomer.  Just the other day I was one of the ‘bright young things’ in our organisation… now I have colleagues who were born in 1991.  Ninety one?   Just the other day.   In conversation though, even though our ages don’t seem that far apart, the gulf is huge, largely due to technology.   If you don’t believe me take a look at this video.  It was put together nearly ten years ago to point out the life experience of Generation-Y, those born since 1980.  Young people born in this era are different. The impact of the i-world has transformed them. Generation Y has become Generation i-Y!

The technology has revolutionised the way this generation communicates, they way they receive information and way they connect with what is going on across the world. 

If those of us engaged in using media for social change want to make a difference in this generation – tomorrows doctors, teachers, nurses, lawyers, architects, administrators, social workers and engineers, then we’d better commit to speaking their language and understand the tools they are using.

You’ve got to hand it to the Taliban, they certainly know how to work the media to further their heinous objectives. A report from the International Crisis group tells how the organisation is using a full range of media, from web-sites to mobile ‘phones, to tap into strains of Afghan nationalism and exploit policy failures by the Kabul government and its international backers. Using a website in the name of the former regime – the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – they dispense leadership statements and inflated tales of battlefield exploits.

But for the largely rural and illiterate population, great efforts are being put into preaching and giving battle reports via DVDs, audio cassettes, shabnamah (night letters – pamphlets or leaflets usually containing threats) and traditional nationalist songs and poems. The Taliban also increasingly uses mobile phones to spread its message. And their strategy seems to be working. Even though few actively support the Taliban, the result is weakening public support for nation-building.

Little wonder one of the key recommendations is DON’T block the flow of information, but rather disclose more, in an open and timely manner, and in that way build morale. I sure hope they catch on, there’s a lot at stake.

Click here to read the full PDF report.