Digital Literacy Bhutan Project #51165

The Media Lab: Giving Youth a Voice

by The Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD)

Project Report | Jan 17, 2025
The Media Lab: Giving Youth a Voice

By Tila Maya Kharka | Asst. Communications Officer

Journalism Training

Training on Journalism

The Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy organised a training for 19 Bhutanese journalists, consisting largely of young journalists and including freelancers. The training was held from 6th to 10th of January 2025 in the picturesque valley of Punakha.

The theme of the workshop centred on Journalism Ethics, with participants engaging in discussions on maintaining accuracy, fairness, and integrity in their reporting. The training emphasised distinguishing facts from opinions, exploring news values, and understanding the qualities of professional journalism and journalists. The participants reported and produced news on issues concerning the community in Punakha as a learning exercise. Through these practical exercises and collaborative activities, the attendees honed their skills in crafting impactful stories while adhering to ethical principles. In addition, the participants also delved into the core topics of News writing, Interview techniques, Multimedia Reporting, and Constructive Journalism. The training was facilitated by an experienced international expert in the field of Journalism and Journalism training.

The workshop not only provided valuable professional development opportunities but also fostered connections among the media organisations in Bhutan. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality of journalism in Bhutan, empowering media professionals with necessary capacity to navigate the evolving landscape of storytelling and media production as they use these skills to inform the citizenry for fostering a healthy democracy.

Winter Youth Initiative Camp

Thirty students gathered at Norbuling Rigter College (NRC) in Paro from 21st to 25th December for a transformative five-day Winter Camp that focused on building key skills in reflective listening, creative writing, and interviewing. The camp emphasised on collaborative learning aiming to inspire participants to embrace their roles as active citizens.

The programme introduced participants to fundamental concepts of citizenship, including their rights and responsibilities. These insights were applied to explore pressing issues in Doteng Gewog, Paro, such as climate change, timber extraction, medical facilities, rural-urban migration, waste management, youth unemployment, and poor road infrastructure. Through field visits and interviews with local community members, participants gained a deeper understanding of how these challenges impact lives and how they can advocate for meaningful change.

The programme was co-facilitated by experienced trainers with background in education, entrepreneurship and youth engagement, guiding the students in developing realistic action plans to address the issues they explored. Participants were encouraged to take ownership of the solutions they proposed, empowering them to act as agents of change. By the end of the camp, participants pledged to continue their journey as active citizens, committed to advocating for a better future.

Media and Democracy Literacy Training for School Children

A total of 53 students from Damphu Central School, Damphu Middle Secondary School, and Tsirangtoe Central School participated in the Media and Democracy Literacy Training held from 20th to 22nd December at the Professional Development Centre in Tsirang.

The training provided an in-depth understanding of democracy and active citizenship, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of individuals in fostering a just and inclusive society. Participants explored the role of media in democracy, with discussions on the power of accurate information in promoting transparency and open dialogue. The dangers of misinformation and the importance of news literacy were key themes, equipping students with the skills to verify sources, assess credibility, and identify bias.

The programme also addressed the influence of social media in modern life, encouraging participants to develop personalised social media guidelines to promote responsible online engagement. Throughout the sessions, students engaged in vibrant discussions, group activities, and case studies, which strengthened their critical thinking skills and their ability to discern balanced and fair reporting.

The training concluded with participants presenting social media guidelines tailored to their respective schools, showcasing their understanding of the concepts learned. This initiative aims to foster a media-literate, informed, and responsible citizenry capable of contributing to a democratic society.

Empowering Youth Advocates: Voices for Change Workshops to tackle Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence

During the month of October, a series of workshops under the Voices for Change initiative were undertaken in three remote schools in the country. These workshops empowered students to become proactive citizens and advocates for positive change within their communities. The workshops also equipped young advocates with the knowledge and skills to address critical issues related to child protection and gender-based violence.

20 enthusiastic youths from Tang Central School, Bumthang engaged in discussions on pressing issues like the inaccessibility of clean toilets, academic stress, theft, and truancy from 3rd to 6th of October. Through problem tree analysis and creative performances, students highlighted how broken sanitation facilities disproportionately impact girls, leading to health problems such as urinary tract infections. The session emphasised the importance of hygiene, with students proposing inviting a health assistant to raise awareness about sanitation and sexual and reproductive health. They also discussed the responsibility of students in fostering a supportive and safe school environment for all. The workshop concluded with the production of four podcasts, allowing students to creatively express their solutions and experiences.

The success of the first workshop was carried forward to another school in Bumthang, Jakar Higher Secondary School from 8th to 11th of Octoberwith another 20 students. This group identified issues such as classroom disengagement, substance use, and peer support limitations and used media tools to amplify their advocacy efforts, producing another series of podcasts. Through these workshops, students identified the crucial role that students played in fostering and nurturing positive change and environment in their schools, from reducing substance abuse to improving academic performance.

From 17th to 20th of October, 47 students deliberated at Bitekha Middle Secondary School, Haa on critical issues like bullying, gang-violence, academic decline, and exam malpractice that affected students' lives. Over four days, participants collaborated on advocacy messages and created six podcasts to raise awareness among their peers. The school administration, in response to the discussions, pledged to take immediate action on the issues raised.

Across all schools, students embraced their role as responsible members of their communities, drawing a strong focus on accountability, fairness, and inclusivity. The workshops, enriched by sessions on news literacy, empowered these young advocates to discern credible information and use media to drive positive change in their communities. It also complemented the ongoing advocacy efforts on media literacy, and students identified their active role in ensuring responsible consumers of news and social media, and thwarting the spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation in their communities.

CSO-Media Engagement Forum to foster Collaboration and Enhance Advocacy

The first Civil Society Organisation (CSO)-Media Engagement Forum convened on 29th October, bringing together 50 representatives from CSOs, media, development partners, and students from the Royal Thimphu College (RTC). Organised by the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD) in partnership with few other local partners, the forum aimed to strengthen collaboration, trust, and transparency between CSOs and the media for better advocacy, fact-based reporting, and inclusive development. The forum also provided a candid space for open and honest discussion as participants shared the challenges faced unique to each sector.

A panel discussion brought forth insights from CSO and media representatives, who examined challenges and opportunities affecting partnership building between the two sectors. CSO representatives emphasised the importance of presenting clear, well-prepared stories to the media to minimise misinterpretation and increase public awareness. Media representatives, on the other hand, underscored the need for CSOs to be transparent, noting that critical, balanced reporting can reinforce public trust in CSO-driven initiatives. Participants highlighted the potential of collaborative storytelling to influence policy and make a lasting social impact, calling for a consistent approach in advocacy reporting to drive meaningful policy changes.

There was a shared acknowledgment of the differentiated roles that various CSOs play in the development landscape, with recommendations made to strengthen inter-sector collaboration. Emphasising that neither sector should undermine the other’s independence, participants agreed that fostering trust is essential for gaining citizen confidence in both sectors.

The forum concluded with a joint commitment to enhance capacity-building efforts and maintain open lines of communication to better serve the public. Both sectors vowed to build a shared responsibility in shaping Bhutan’s socio-economic and value-based growth, contributing to the country’s development narrative through enhanced cooperation and collective efforts.

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Sep 19, 2024
The Media Lab: Giving Youth a Voice

By Tila Maya Kharka | Assst. Communications Officer

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Multimedia Training for Students -23rd to 30th August

Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD) conducted a multimedia training programme for 60 students from four local schools in Tsirang district. The training programme focused on essential skills in videography, photography, design and audio podcasting and was designed to empower students through using multimedia tools to communicate effectively and drive positive change within their communities.

The training, held at the Professional Development Centre in Tsirang, is a residential camp that brought together students from Damphu Middle Secondary School and Tsirangtoe Central School in the first batch from 23 till 26 of August, and Damphu Central School and Mendrelgang Central School from 27 to 30 of August in the second batch. The participants were immersed in intensive learning modules designed to introduce them to the art of visual and audio storytelling.

Participants began their training with an introduction to photography, where they learned about composition, framing, and storytelling through visuals. This was followed by practical sessions where students were challenged to capture images using specific photographic techniques such as the rule of thirds and leading lines.

In the audio podcasting session, students were introduced to the basics of podcast creation, from scriptwriting to recording and editing. Hands-on sessions allowed them to experiment with mobile podcasting apps and produce their own podcast episodes. Moreover, the students were introduced to PremierePro and Canva Designing, a versatile tool that allows users to create visually appealing content with ease. The session emphasised the importance of visual content in effective communication and media.

The overarching goal of the training was to integrate multimedia skills with community mapping initiatives, empowering students to become effective communicators and advocates for social causes and change, in their communities. By learning how to use tools like videography and podcasting, students were equipped with the skills and knowledge to translate their voice in effectively highlighting. issues within their communities and contribute to meaningful dialogue and bringing about required change.

Youth Initiative Alumni Reunion and Strategic Planning - 17th to 21st August

BCMD hosted a strategic planning event for Youth Initiative (YI) alumni. The event brought together alumni from both early and recent cohorts to reflect on the programme’s evolution since its 2013 inception and strategise for its future.

The strategic planning session provided alumni with a platform to discuss their personal experiences and the profound impact the YI programme has had on their perspectives, critical thinking and choices, and ultimately their careers. Discussions focused on refining the programme’s approach to enhance mentorship, improve communication, re-engage alumni, and innovate feedback and fundraising strategies through a youth-centric approach.

Participants emphasised the role of youth as change agents and advocates for their communities. The event set the stage for a more dynamic YI programme, aimed at remaining relevant to Bhutanese youth and effectively fostering personal agency.

BCMD expressed gratitude for the alumni’s support and insights, as well as sought their continued support in strengthening the YI programme so that it remains relevant to changing times and being impactful.

Journalists Trained on effective Reporting -12 to 16 August 2024

BCMD organised a five-day intensive training programme attended by 21 reporters from eight media houses in Bhutan. The training equipped the reporters with skills critical in delivering impactful stories and bringing out critical issues to light.

The sessions covered essential journalism skills, such as news writing, interview techniques, multimedia journalism, and investigative journalism. Participants were introduced to new methods for gathering and planning investigative stories, crafting hypotheses, navigating ethical dilemmas, and selecting the appropriate media platforms such as multimedia for their stories.

The training also covered practical insights into journalism standards, lead story writing, and multimedia storytelling. The training content was well received considering that the majority of the participants did not come with a background in journalism while they had taken up a profession in this sector. The training was seen as a timely intervention to equip young reporters with the necessary skills and tools to professionalise the individuals and the media sector.

Training on Advocacy Skills, Strategic Media Engagement, Research, and Policy Review -30th July-1st August.

BCMD Organised a Training on Advocacy Skills, Strategic Media Engagement, Research, and Policy Review for research assistants of the Parliament of Bhutan and CSOs. This event brought together research assistants from the National Assembly and National Council of Bhutan, along with programme officers from few Civil Society Organisations.

The training content was aimed towards empowering the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change and enhance efficiency and productivity at their relevant workplaces. Participants were equipped with essential skills in advocacy, media engagement, research techniques, and comprehensive policy and legislative review and methodologies and briefs, that are relevant to their work. Training participants were also made aware of the importance of evidence-based planning and research works to support their work and bring about impactful outcomes in their fields of work.

BCMD will continue to build on providing focused and advanced training to research officers in order to strengthen democracy through fostering a more informed, inclusive and consultative, and evidence-based policy discussions and decisions fostering good governance.

Youth Initiative Camp 2024 -8th to 11th of July

A group of 33 enthusiastic young individuals from various schools and colleges across Paro, Thimphu, Haa, Samtse, Gedu, and Bumthang participated in a four-day Youth Initiative Summer Camp at the Royal Thimphu College. On the first day of the camp, BCMD delivered presentations designed to help participants understand the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the reporting process, and the concept of the child mandala. This camp brought together children from the Summer and Winter Youth Initiative Camps of 2023, who contributed to the Alternative Report on Child Rights in Bhutan, along with a few new participants.

During the camp, participants explored their rights, closely reviewed the concluding observations on Bhutan’s combined sixth and seventh periodic reports, and developed actionable plans to promote and protect children’s rights in Bhutan. Additionally, they learned about their responsibilities while exercising their rights.

On the final day of the camp, a half-day advocacy event on Child Rights was organised for the relevant stakeholders with the children participants. Her Excellency, the Education Minister along with members of parliament, relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and international NGOs working for the welfare of the children attended the advocacy event. The event provided a crucial platform for the participants to voice their concerns and advocate on the issues affecting children’s rights in Bhutan and call for actions in addressing these issues.

During the advocacy event, the children participants took centre stage, presenting thoughtful discussions on several fundamental rights of children in Bhutan. They addressed issues concerning children’s rights to education, participation, protection from violence and harmful substances, privacy, appropriate information, as well as access to health, water, and food. Alongside identifying these critical issues, the children also proposed actionable solutions to address them effectively. They poignantly presented the need for their voices to be heard and paid attention to by the policy makers and adults alike, particularly in determining policies and actions that affect them.

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YI Strategic Planning

Training for Journalist

Training for RAs & CSOs

Youth Initiative Camp_2024

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May 24, 2024
The Media Lab: Giving Youth a Voice

By Tila Maya Kharka | Asst. Communications Officer

Meeting with the Dzongkhag Administration

Workshop on Nurturing Student Representatives (6- 8 May 2024)

Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD) will be implementing the project, Project Mikhung 2.0 - ‘Capacitating the Local Government and Citizens to Strengthen People-Centred Planning’, in Tsirang dzongkhag (district). Towards this, a team from BCMD led by the Executive Director undertook a scoping mission to the dzongkhag and met the District Administration (Local Government Administration) team, led by the Dasho Dzongrab and Sector Heads on March 29. The project objectives, target beneficiaries (students in the schools in the locality), activities and project timeline was presented to the district officials, and their support was solicited for the project’s successful implementation.

Thus its first activity, to equip educators with the necessary tools and strategies to foster a Democratic School Culture and Empower Student Representatives, Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop on Nurturing Student Representatives commenced in May (Date: 6 to 8). The workshop was attended by 28 teachers from nine schools within Tsirang district.

The session emphasised the significance of cultivating a Democratic School Culture as a foundational step towards nurturing well-informed and responsible citizenry of the future. Participants identified existing practices of a Democratic School Culture, including student participation in decision-making, involvement of student body representatives in all school administration meetings, school leadership election, and community involvement. The initiative seeks to promote active student participation and foster civic engagement within educational institutions in order to ensure sustainability of the intervention. The participants were introduced to tools for fostering an inclusive, participatory and democratic culture in the school environment.

Examples from various schools highlighted the importance of parental engagement and inclusivity in fostering a democratic ethos within the school environment so that informed decisions are made. One of the participants praised the idea of including student leaders' opinions in school policies and involving them in coordination meetings as a way to teach democratic values to students and making them take responsibility for the decisions that have been drawn up consultatively.

Without losing momentum, the trained teachers will further conduct step-down training in their respective schools. After this training, the same participants will undergo another training on community mapping, thus equipping them with the skills to map their community, identify issues in the community and take initiatives to tackle the issues. A small seed money will be provided to the school to carry out the initiative.

This workshop aims to create a stronger sense of community ownership and enhance inclusive planning to truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. The project will also cover activities related to media literacy programmes that will be delivered through the democracy clubs in schools.

Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD) in Partnerships

BCMD convened two- rounds of consultation with six CSOs on April 8 and 17 of 2024 to co-create an upcoming programme on Inclusive Service Delivery. The primary objective of the consultation is to tailor the event effectively in expressing the diverse needs of the service recipients, namely the vulnerable groups and enable service providers in particularly enhancing their services to cater to the needs of the vulnerable groups, such as Persons with Disabilities, women and children in difficult circumstances, youth in conflict with the law, senior citizens and the LGBT+ community.

The CSOs, namely, Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW), Phensem Parents Support Group (PPSG), Royal Society for Senior Citizens (RSSC), Disabled People’s Organisation of Bhutan (DPO), Draktsho, Pride Bhutan and Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) participated in the consultation.The final event will be held on 31st May in Thimphu and will cover presentations and deliberations on accessibility of public services by the various vulnerable groups, besides a presentation on a success story presentation by one of the service providers. In addition, a presentation on Access to Justice for the Vulnerable Groups will also be made by the JSW Law School to inform both the service providers and recipients on the legal framework and accessing legal justice services appropriately.

Teachers attending the Training of Trainers (ToT)

Consultation meeting with officials

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