The Strengthening Civil Society and Media Systems (Sawt) activity, which is funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Internews, Mercy Corps, and the International Center for Non-Profit Law (ICNL), was launched in Madaba Governorate during an introductory meeting with the Assistant Governor of Madaba for Development Affairs Mohammad Al-Shebly. The meeting was attended by civil society representatives, government bodies, and members of the local communities.

Sawt’s Chief of Party, Ms. Dima Jweihan, kicked off the meeting by describing the objectives of the project, which will” enhance  civic participation, by supporting collaboration between civil society and the media, encourage dialogue between different sectors on common issues,  enhance the resilience  of institutions navigating various challenges, and increase the opportunities for citizens to participate in regular constructive civil dialogue." The meeting included a presentation of the project’s objectives and the activities planned for the first year and a discussion about areas for collaboration and ended with a Q&A. 

The Sawt project aims to achieve sustainable civic engagement in Jordan by strengthening the capacities of civil society in advocating and cooperating with all concerned parties to respond to community needs and build trust.  The project also provides citizens access to fact-based and reliable content from the media, thus reducing online misinformation and contributing to civic education and media Literacy.