Under this initiative, by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), their voices are being raised on social issues, empowering the youth by partnering with the Imagine Community Media and the Press Club in Kolkata.
Young journalists become the eyes and ears of their community through this program and raise important things that express both the beauty and struggle of everyday life.
But how will these voice become so strong?
This community youth journalists present programs on topics that directly affect their life and their partner and community life.
These youths change educational opportunities to highlight career, child marriage, environmental erosion and important social problems.
However, the role of these young journalists is greater than journalism. Their work becomes an element of human empowerment and awareness and change.
They act as representatives of their community, adding their comrades, families and local leaders to the nearest people, facilitates the better future.
Rimjim Mondal, a reporter involved in the program, said, “Before becoming a community youth reporter, I felt that no one was listening to us. But now I know that we know that we have the ability to change our words, raise awareness and think people about important issues.”
Inspiration
In the words of Rimjim, the feelings of other people echo. These young journalists are not limited to just taking pictures or reporting. They also won the hearts of those who are actually able to take action.
From child marriage to expressing environmental problems and the need for education reform, their work is having a positive impact on their community. This program is not just for sound, but to bring actual changes.
Soumiki Chakraborty, a young journalist from another community, said, “The voice of the youth is important because in the future we will live with the outcome of the present decision. When we raise our voices, we are not just talking ourselves; we are talking about future generations.”
Attempts to eliminate child marriage
India is a country of West Bengal, a conflict. On the one hand, where it is known for rich cultural heritage, the talent and educational talent, there are also challenges like child marriage.
A large number of girls in this state are married before the age of 18. Many young girls here face a variety of obstacles for education, health and equal opportunities.
This is why the Community Youth Reporter makes the program more important. This program provides a platform to reach young girls’ information and challenge social injustice.
G. Another correspondent of the Algia Akhtar program said, “Child marriage is not just a picture. It changes the whole life of girls like us. I have seen my friends leave school for this reason. My mother was married in childhood. But now as a young reporter I think I can do something about it.”
Reporters like Rosa Khatun, Naosin Biswas, G Algia Akhtar and Sonali De have attracted attention to the issues of child marriage in their villages, which have taken the community discussions and steps.
Solve the problem
The most important aspect of the Community Youth Reporter Program is its sensitive depth and moral attitude towards reporting.
These young journalists go beyond the truth and highlight their hearts and experiences. This method transforms the complex issues of this method into ordinary stories, which can easily understand their essence to the audience.
For example, Shraddha Sarkar, Soumiki Chakraborty and Rimjim Mondal spoke sincerely to their school about environmental pollution.
“The pond near our school was clean at any time and full of fish. Now, it has just turned into a garbage pile. It is seen that the heart breaks the heart that people destroyed a beautiful thing.”
“I feel as a community youth reporter that it is my responsibility to enlighten these things. It’s not just about a pond – it’s about teaching people to respect their environment.”
New opportunities
Community Youth Reporter is exposed to new potential for the program community where girls are usually expected to follow the traditional role.
These young journalists are the champions of their community, who investigate them all around, notebook and mobile cameras, and the stories of the camera that are actually important.
Rimjim says, “When we share the learning issues, other girls start to see the possibility for themselves. They begin to ask questions and start raising their voices against practice like child marriage. It looks like a wave.”
Now more schools and colleges have begun to participate in these national programs. These programs are promoting a leadership that can solve the existing challenges and become an element of permanent change.
Baishakhi Ghosh said, “Our voice is important because we will spend our lives with the results of today’s decision. Through this program we are not talking about us; we are learning leadership strategies.”
One thing is clear – its important stories, the work of these young journalists, the strength of the youth, the strength of the community and the importance of losing hope is a proof. They are not only changing the story of West Bengal – but with a new ink writing their future again.