Civic Education

Civic Education units work with international NGOs,national NGOs, UN agencies, and UNAMA regional offices and governmental institutions in order to promote positive attitudes towards the democratic transition in the voter registration and election processes in Afghanistan for the 2004 elections. Civic Education program has been closely linked to the registration and electoral calendars in order to precede and explain operations as they are taking place. Background

Objectives Provide Afghan potential voters with accurate, culturally sensitive and timely election information. Encourage and promote the involvement of Afghan women in the election process Contribute to build-up of the Afghan civil society in civic education Civic Education Meeting in Jawzjan

STRATEGY Mass media coverage Direct contact with the population Use of visual tools Massive distribution of material Partnership NGOs

MASS MEDIA International and local radio stations Mobile radios – distribution of cassettes National and local TV stations Mobile cinema – more videos Cassettes for the blind Mobile Theater play Mobile Radio Team-Jalalabad

DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE POPULATION Community Mobilization Events –Reaching Governors, Mullahs, Elders, Shura Leaders Face-to-Face Meetings –Reaching the general population, separate meeting for men and women –For literate and illiterate On the Spot Meetings –Call people at around registration sites Spontaneous Meetings –Public Places (e.g. Mosques, Bazaars, Markets, Clinics, etc) Mock Polling Exercise & Role-Playing –How to Vote –Valid Ballot Marking National Civic Educators Conduct

ACHIEVEMENTS 2,715,453 people reached through direct civic education activities (as of mid-September) female: 34% male: 66% 10.5 million registered: of which 41.2 % are women 12 million civic education materials distributed (Posters, Leaflets, Stickers, Booklets, etc) JEMB National Civic Educators Trained Meeting in Mazar