Think Creative Fall 2023

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Littorals Regional Initiative By Michael J. Zamba, Senior Director of Communications

In Malanville and Karimama communes in northern Benin, wrestling competitions draw thousands of spectators, particularly youth, and hold a strong cultural connection to the communities. Unfortunately, the region is feeling the effects of violence that is spilling over from the Sahel, as well as local challenges with ethnic divisions, drug abuse, unemployment and idleness among youth. With the support of USAID/OTI’s Littorals Regional Initiative, wrestlers and two local NGOs—Jeunesse Santé Environnement et Développement NGO (JSED-ONG) and DEDRAS—organized a series of tournaments to speak with the audience about youth’s role in promoting peace. Before each bout, the local partners provided education and guidance to the crowds and fighters on peaceful conflict resolution. The positive impact of this sensitization effort has already been observed in the improved relationships between Fulbe and non-Fulbe attendees, who have begun visiting each other’s homes after bonding over their mutual love for wrestling. n

In this Issue

Coming Together 14 p.

07 Dispatches

Updates from around our world

08 // NewWins in Ethiopia and Syria 09 // • Development Alliance Launched in the Middle East • CARI Guatemala Wins USAID Photo Contest • Field Notes 10 // Mali PSR & REWARD II By the Numbers 12 // In Focus: USAID READ II Education Recovery Activity

14 Cover Package Coming Together: Local actors leading social cohesion efforts in their communities

CARI Photo Contest Winners 9 p.

REWARD II By the Numbers 10 p.

ON THE COVER: Michel Yao, a journalist and blogger in Mali, promotes social cohesion in his community by combating disinformation online. Photo taken by Jim Huylebroek for Creative Associates International.

Photos by Chanel Distel for USAID/OTI (Snap Shot); Erick Gibson (LRI); Carlos Garcia (CARI); JimHuylebroek (REWARDII)

4 | Think Creative | Fall 2023