The Media Lab: Giving Youth a Voice

Youth Initiative 2023: Building a Network of Child Rights Champion with Children

During the 2023 winter and summer camps organised by BCMD under the Youth Initiative, diverse groups were convened, engaging 60 children between the ages of 8 and 19. These children represented a spectrum of backgrounds, including urban and rural school attendees, individuals from monastic institutions, those with a history of conflict with the law, and residents of shelter homes. Embracing a child-centric approach, the initiative aspires to generate an alternative report with the overarching goal of nurturing a network of empowered advocates for child rights.

A noteworthy achievement during these camps was the collaborative creation of a theme song titled "Soel-dep" (A plea). Developed in conjunction with the participating children, this song focuses on advocating for equal opportunities for all children. The culmination of this effort resulted in the song being broadcast on the national television channel, Bhutan Broadcasting Service, amplifying its reach and impact.

To watch the video, visit BCMD YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheBcmd

Reflection on Media and Democracy Literacy Training – Youth Centre Coordinators & Assistants 

In the year 2023, BCMD undertook a significant initiative to empower Youth Center coordinators in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Wangdue districts. This empowerment was achieved through a comprehensive Media and Democracy Literacy Training programme, with a particular emphasis on cultivating positive social media habits. 18 youth centre coordinators from six Youth Centres underwent this training, subsequently disseminating the knowledge acquired through step-down training sessions for 482 community members. The overarching objective of this project is to promote responsible digital citizenship, elevate online safety measures, and provide parents and children with the necessary tools to create a secure digital environment.

To watch the video of the MDL training, visit BCMD on YouTube at : https://www.youtube.com/@TheBcmd

Media Lab’s Initiative: Content Creation and Marketing Strategy

The Media Lab of the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy orchestrated a comprehensive, free day-long workshop, accommodating 10 participants, centred on Content Creation and Marketing. This flagship initiative, facilitated by alumni of BCMD's Media Lab programme, demonstrated the Media Lab's role in creating a platform for individuals who have previously participated in its programmes. This workshop serves as a pivotal platform, empowering entrepreneurs and students to elevate their content creation and marketing endeavours for both business and social media activities. 

A workshop participant shared their perspective, stating, "The session proved to be exceptionally enlightening, providing me with valuable insights into contemporary marketing strategies and digital content creation. Throughout the workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of various software tools that can enhance the quality of digital content, providing me with an opportunity to explore their applications. Additionally, the workshop delved into the art of photography, equipping me with valuable skills to effectively market my ideas. Overall, the experience was not only informative but also empowering, broadening my knowledge and capabilities in the realm of marketing and digital content creation."

The support from GlobalGiving is essential in enabling us to organise more workshops for youth, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development for youths. These workshops also provide a platform for the participants to learn through interactions among themselves and enrich their network for possible collaborations in future. Your support will directly contribute to the empowerment and education of young individuals, allowing them to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

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