By Ro Maung Shwe
The Youth Led Initiative has completed a four day journalism workshop designed to build a new generation of Rohingya storytellers. Held in partnership with Rohingyatographer and supported by the United Council of Rohang and the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Office, the training brought together seventy Rohingya youth from several camps over two consecutive weekends on 7, 8, 14 and 15 November 2025.
Participants included junior journalists, photographers, community activists and aspiring writers. Organisers described the programme as one of the most structured journalism trainings held inside the refugee camps, aimed at helping young people document their community with skill, ethics and clarity.
Building the Next Generation of Rohingya Storytellers
The sessions were led by three Rohingya media professionals. They were Ro Yassin Abdumonan, co founder of Rohingyatographer and independent journalist, Shahat Zia Hero, recipient of the 2023 Nansen Refugee Award, and Ahtaram Shin, columnist and editor of Rohingyatographer.
Over the four days, participants trained in news reporting, human interest storytelling, ethical journalism practices, mobile and professional photography and community centred narrative work. They also learned interviewing skills, field documentation methods and fact checking techniques. Through lectures, group discussions, practical exercises and field assignments, the trainees strengthened their ability to observe and communicate the daily realities of life in the camps.
Special Session on Climate Journalism and Solutions Media
On the final day, participants attended a special guest lecture by Bangladeshi climate journalist Tanbirul Miraj Ripon. His session focused on climate change in Bangladesh and Cox’s Bazar, the role of solutions journalism, and ways to connect Rohingya stories to global climate discussions. He emphasised accuracy, responsibility and dignity while reporting in humanitarian settings. Participants said the lecture broadened their understanding of how local experiences connect with wider environmental challenges.
Why the Workshop Matters
For the Rohingya community, whose stories are often told by others, the ability to produce their own journalism is central to representation and identity. Organisers said the training helped to strengthen communication and documentation skills among young people while encouraging ethical, fact based and community driven storytelling. The workshop also introduced participants to global media standards and supported peaceful dialogue and advocacy through narrative work.
All participants received certificates of completion and YLI branded shirts. Many will continue contributing to upcoming media projects with YLI and Rohingyatographer.
Organisers’ Reflections
Maung Solaiman Shah, founder and executive coordinator of the Youth Led Initiative, said the training reflects a broader commitment to building a new generation of Rohingya voices. He said journalism is both a tool and a responsibility, and that young storytellers are now more prepared to represent their community with confidence and integrity.
This workshop was made possible through the partnership of Rohingyatographer, assistance from the United Council of Rohang and venue support from the RRRC Office. Organisers expressed special appreciation to Ro Nay San Lwin, co chairperson of the Arakan Rohingya National Council and co founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, to youth activist Furqan Mirza, and to Mv Sawyed Ullah, acting president of the UCR.
Looking Ahead
The Youth Led Initiative plans to expand its media programmes in the coming months, with a focus on peace journalism, child rights reporting, environmental storytelling, women led media projects and digital safety training. Organisers said the four day workshop marks a meaningful step toward building a self sustaining network of Rohingya youth journalists who continue to explore today in order to tell tomorrow.
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