A two-day communication skills and radio program production lab for plainland ethnic minority youths and radio crews in Moulvibazar concluded on Saturday.
A total of 18 participants, including 12 women, took part in the workshop aimed at enhancing their skills in media and communication.
The event, organized by SoMaSHTe, a media, communication, and development-focused organization, was held at two different venues.
The first day took place at the Brac Learning Center in Srimangal, while the second day was held at Radio Pollikantha in Moulvibazar.
The lab was part of a larger initiative titled "Promoting the Voice of Plainland Ethnic Minorities in Civic Space through Community Media," funded by the European Union.
The project is supported by Free Press Unlimited and Article19, and is being implemented by SoMaSHTe, Radio Mahananda, Radio Nalta, and Radio Pollikantha in the districts of Chapainawabganj, Satkhira, and Moulvibazar.
During the first day, participants discussed and prioritized key issues affecting minority populations, and practiced communication techniques such as program scripting, participant identification, presentation, and discussion.
The second day focused on the technical aspects of radio programing, with participants working alongside radio crews to practice program formats and production.
Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nasrin Chowdhury joined in a dialogue during one of the sessions, stressing the importance of education and career-focused initiatives for minority communities.
In the post-lab phase, Radio Pollikantha will produce and broadcast youth-led, solution-oriented, and participatory programs addressing the identified issues of minority communities.
Radio Mahananda and Radio Nalta will also produce similar programs to promote the voices of plainland ethnic minorities.