DILI, March 14, 2014 -- On March 14, 2014 Youth Engagement to Promote Stability (YEPS), implemented by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and funded through the U.S. State Departments Security and Stabilization Program, will celebrate the launch of second cycle of the Radio Drama series ,  Karau Dikur  ba Dame (‘Buffalo Horn for Peace’).

Featuring a dynamic cast of young local actors and volunteers, this 2^nd cycle of 25-episode radio drama follows the lives of a cast of characters including the Barbosa family, as they negotiate everyday challenges common to people across Timor-Leste. As the characters face these challenges,  they find that they are able to overcome conflict by understanding their differences and acting on commonalities.

The Tetun-language production is divided into four main topics,  with each focusing on an issue identified by young people from throughout Timor-Leste as being important to themselves and their communities; namely unemployment, domestic violence, youth conflict and youth manipulation. Promoting practical, non-violent, and cooperative ways to address conflict, the drama aims to break down negative stereotypes and provide examples of cooperative solutions to stimulate social progress.

Karau Dikur ba Dame will begin broadcasting on Radio Timor Leste and 15 Community Radio Stations throughout the country from March 17, airing at 7pm from Monday to Saturday. Each 30 minute episode will be followed by an interactive quiz, where listeners can send an SMS to a designated number to answer questions, win prizes and comment on the issues discussed, Partner community radios also will host talkshows based on the four main topics and in this spirit, YEPS and Community Radio partners will be hosting four talkshows with guest speakers.

The YEPS project continues the US Government's assistance to implement conflict mitigation and peacebuilding activities targeting at-risk and disaffected youth. The goal of the program is to transform the way in which youth engage with government and community leaders to promote peace and reconciliation. Overall, it seeks to bridge the gap between Timorese youth and social and political structures at the local and national level and contribute to conflict prevention through the innovative use of media.

The United States Government and Timor-Leste work in partnership to support broad-based and effective development. The YEPS Project is one of many assistance projects from the United States Government that reach the people of Timor-Leste. USAID's projects focus on economic growth, democratic governance and health.