Programme name: Community Youth Reporters Programme
Supported by: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), West Bengal and Press Club, Kolkata
Geographical Area: Murshidabad District, West Bengal
Role of IMAGIN: 24 Community youth reporters have been trained under the Community Youth Reporters Programme by IMAGIN in association with UNICEF,WB and Press Club Kolkata , 24 adolescent journalists are actively working in the field, amplifying community voices and local development narratives. IMAGIN also conducts specialized training programs on Piped Water Supply Management and Water Conservation Coordination, equipping community members with the skills necessary for sustainable water resource management. The programme aimed to empower youth to report on critical social and health issues, fostering community engagement and advocacy through journalism.
Training Modules & Sessions
The programme equipped students with essential journalism and advocacy skills through:
- Interactive sessions & role plays
- Data-driven authentic journalism & fact-checking
- Camera handling, PTC (Piece to Camera), and studio visits
- Media advocacy training
Focal Topics Covered
The youth reporters focused on key community issues:
- Child Marriage & Teenage Pregnancy
- Immunization
- Nutrition
- Environment
IMAGIN appointed four Mentors and one Coordinator to provide guidance and support to the students. The filed engagement and peer learning .
- School and off-campus sessions
- Field trips for real-world reporting experience
- Special session on “News to Save the Environment”
- Peer screening sessions where students discussed and refined their stories
Impact & Achievements
- 24 students trained as Community Youth Reporters
- Over 3,700 students impacted across five schools
- Strengthened youth advocacy and community journalism in Murshidabad
Conclusion
The Community Youth Reporters Programme has successfully nurtured a new generation of informed, empowered, and vocal young journalists who are driving positive change in their communities. By amplifying critical issues, they are shaping public discourse and inspiring action for a better future.
