The Y-PEER Oman network participated for the first time in the global 10 days of activism campaign, with 10 exciting days of activities which spanned the country from the capital in Muscat to the Western region of Buraimi.

The Y-PEERs spared no effort to really demonstrate how youth participation can have a beneficial effect on the country's progress, and held the banner "Nothing for us, Without us" with pride and purpose. The campaign began at the newly opened Muscat Grand Mall, where the Y-PEERs had an awareness corner for the first 2 days of the campaign. This attracted a large number of youth who frequent the mall, and generated a buzz around the campaign. With their strategic location between the food court and the cinema, a lot of youth were visiting the stall and it was a good chance to spread the message of the campaign and of Y-PEER in general.

The next 4 days took place in the western region of Buraimi, where there was a general awareness activity followed by an exhibition of art by the talented members, with a focus on youth participation. The paintings all had awareness messages and were a good alternative way to deliver the message. This was followed by a 2 day Peer Education and Introductory workshop to establish an arm of the Y-PEER network in the region, under the guidance of 2 trained focal points from the region. This was extremely successful and made the campaign nationwide. It also gave the enthusiastic members in Buraimi the chance to showcase their work and further expand the reach of the network, with newly trained members that will continue to spread the Y-PEER message.

The final 4 days found the campaign returning to Muscat with a beach clean-up in collaboration with the Clean-Up Oman initiative and a 2 day activity at the popular Qurum City Centre, where the Y-PEERs had an exhibition, puppetry performances, an area designated for the creation of puppets from recycled material and of course awareness raising on the network and its mandate. The focus of this and the final day's online discussion was the environment and how youth play an integral role in preserving the world we live in.

The campaign was met with enthusiasm from the general public, especially the youth. A lot of attention was drawn to the good work that the Y-PEERs have been undertaking in Oman in recent years, and how necessary such an initiative is for all youth living in Oman.

For some of the media coverage please visit the following links:

Oman Daily
Oman Observer
Times of Oman
The Week

Also check ou the photos from the campaign in our photo gallery