For Immediate Release:  February 2, 2012
Contact: David Early, 202-429-7817
              Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is honored to announce that “Salam Shabab,” a peacebuilding TV series for Iraqi youth, was named a finalist in the Prix Jeunesse International, a biannual competition recognizing excellence in children’s television programming.

“Salam Shabab” is the first peacebuilding television program depicting the real life story of Iraqi youth. Filmed and produced in Iraq, "Salam Shabab" follows 54 Iraqi youth from six different provinces as they produce their own short films, perform on stage and use teamwork to win sport and mental challenges. The series – based on a peacebuilding curriculum developed with Iraqi educators -- showcases not only a population that is often marginalized, but also the powerful desire and capacity of Iraqi youth to bring peace to their communities. The mission of “Salam Shabab” – both the TV series and online community -- is to build the foundations for peace by empowering Iraqi youth to be confident, responsible and participatory citizens of their society.

“Producing a peacebuilding series for young people that receives recognition by the Prix Jeunesse is a great accomplishment. But doing it under the difficult conditions in Iraq -- where things like security, even access to electricity and so much more -- makes this achievement all the more remarkable. The dedication and talent of the production team is inspiring, as are the kids in the show. Congratulations all!,” said Sheldon Himelfarb, director of USIP’s Center of Innovation: Media, Conflict, and Peacebuilding.

The biannual festival Prix Jeunesse International is organized by the Prix Jeunesse Foundation, which works to promote quality in television for the young worldwide. The foundation strives to highlight television that enables children to see, hear and express themselves and their culture, and that enhances an awareness and appreciation of other cultures. The Prix Jeunesse International is the Foundation’s main activity. “Salam Shabab” will be presented as a finalist in the competition in Munich in June 2012.

Learn more about the television series and about USIP’s work on media, conflict and peacebuilding.

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