The Media Lab will create space to nurture democracy through civic engagement, public discourse, and media literacy by enabling youths, specially-abled, and citizens to learn: 1. Photography and filmmaking without having to attend a formal photography and filmmaking school 2. To learn to express their views on important issues like civic engagement, climate change, good governance, and democracy. 3. To lead change in communities and be a smart consumer of news and information.
Lack of opportunities after school leaves young Bhutanese (making up to 50 percent of the population) vulnerable. Crime rates in the country, in connection to drugs and alcohol, have increased by 95 percent in 2017 compared to 2016. Youth unemployment stands at 10.2 percent while suicide is a mounting problem. All these issues make enabling youth with new skills and opportunities ever relevant. BCMD's Media Lab offers a unique chance for youth to learn filmmaking, multimedia, and photography.
BCMD will use a multi-pronged approach to engage and empower Bhutanese youth and citizens: 1. To create a space to learn photography, filming, podcast, citizen journalism, and active citizenship. 2. To capture important issues and participate in decision-making and democratic processes. 3. To resolve problems in their communities through step-down asset-based Community Mapping and Leadership training. 4.5. To be a smart consumer of information and news and make an informed decision.
Media Lab creates free space for youth and citizens to learn new skills and knowledge, and grow as a citizen through effective communication, and leadership skills. Their learning of important issues like climate change, gender, and good governance through photography, podcast, and films will empower youth, marginalised groups, and citizens to participate in policies and decisions affecting their lives and communities -- contributing to nation-building, democracy, and civic engagement.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
