West Bengal’s Community Youth Reporters Drive Social Change

In every corner of the world, young people have ideas, passions, and dreams that are worth listening to and deserve action. 

In West Bengal, courageous young voices are taking centre stage through the Community Youth Reporter Programme. This initiative - designed by UNICEF in partnership with IMAGIN Community Media and the Press Club, Kolkata - empowers young people and amplifies their voices on pressing social issues. Through this programme, youth reporters become the eyes and ears of their communities, bringing forward stories that matter—stories that shed light on both the beauty and struggles of daily life

But what makes these voices so powerful?

These Community Youth Reporters address issues that directly affect their lives and the lives of their peers and communities. These young changemakers use storytelling and information to spotlight critical social problems, such as child marriage, environmental degradation, and educational opportunities.

These young reporters' role is more than just journalism. It's about empowering others, raising awareness, and driving change. They act as representatives of their communities, connecting their peers, families, and local leaders while hoping for better futures for themselves and those around them.

"Before becoming a community youth reporter, I felt like no one was listening to us, the youth," says Rimjhim Mandal, one of the reporters in the programme. "But now, I know our words have the power to change things, to raise awareness, and to make people care about the issues that matter to us."

Rimjhim's words echo a sentiment shared by many others. These young reporters aren't just capturing pictures or writing stories—they're capturing the hearts of people who can take action. From tackling child marriage to highlighting environmental concerns and the need for education reform, their work directly impacts the communities they serve.

This programme demonstrates that it's not just about making noise—it's about making a difference.

Why is UNICEF so focused on young people? The answer is simple: youth are the catalysts of the future. UNICEF believes empowering young people with knowledge, tools, and opportunities to speak up improves the present while shaping the future. 

"Youth voices are crucial because we are the ones who will be living with the consequences of today's decisions," says Soumiki Chakraborty, another community youth reporter. "When we raise our voices, we're not just talking about ourselves; we're talking about future generations,” she says. 

West Bengal, a state in, eastern India, is a land of contrasts. While it is known for its rich cultural heritage and academic brilliance, it also grapples with challenges like child marriage, where a significant percentage of girls are married before the age of 18. Many young girls here experience obstacles of various kinds to education, health, and equal opportunities.

This backdrop makes the Community Youth Reporter Programme even more critical. It provides young girls with access to information—a tool more powerful than any weapon—and gives them a platform to challenge social injustices that have gone unaddressed for generations. 

."Child marriage is not just a statistic. It is a life-altering event for girls like us. I've seen my friends leave schools, leaving their dreams behind because of it. My mother, for one, got married when she was a child. But now, as a youth reporter, I feel like I can do something about it," says Jee Aljia Akthar, another reporter from the programme.

Reports of participants such as Roja Khatun, Nowsin Biswas, Jee Aljia Akthar, and Sonali Dey, have brought attention to instances of early marriage in their villages, sparking community discussions and action. Their work demonstrates that information can lead to transformation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Community Youth Reporter Programme is its emotional depth and ethical approach to reporting. These young reporters go beyond mere facts; they reveal their hearts and experiences. This heartfelt approach transforms complicated issues into relatable narratives, making them understandable and resonating with their audience. 

UNICEFRimjhim Mandal, Soumiki Chakraborty, and Shraddha Sarkar, all 17 years old, study at Chaunpur Vidyaniketan Girls High School in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The three girls take a stock of an evolving environmental story they started a few months ago as reporters and activists.

Take Shraddha Sarkar, Soumiki Chakraborty, and Rimjhim Mandal as examples. They spoke passionately about environmental pollution near their school. "The pond near our school was once clean and filled with fish. Now, it's just a garbage dump. It's heartbreaking to see how people have destroyed something so beautiful. As a community youth reporter, I feel it's my responsibility to bring these issues to light. This isn't just about a pond—it's about teaching people to respect their environment," says Shraddha.

Her words are not only a call to action—they reflect a deep love and concern for the community, nature, and the world her generation will inherit. This sense of responsibility makes youth powerful agents of change.

Their story speaks to a larger truth about the programme: it doesn't just train reporters—it nurtures problem-solvers. Equipping young people with the skills to identify and articulate issues, empowers them to find solutions for their communities.

"We aren't just reporting problems. We're also suggesting ways to solve them," adds Shraddha. In their case, the suggestion was to clean and deepen the pond—an idea that has sparked conversations among local authorities and residents. 

The programme is more than just a platform for reporting—it's about inspiring change. For girls like Soumiki Chakraborty, it's also about redefining their future. "When I started, I thought this was just a way to help my community. But now, I see this as a career opportunity. I want to continue as a journalist, telling the stories of those who don't have a voice,” she adds.  

Soumiki's perspective highlights a significant change and gives us a glimpse of their aspirations. In communities where girls are typically expected to adhere to traditional roles, the Community Youth Reporter Programme opens new possibilities for them. It is inspiring to see how this initiative empowers young girls to explore different paths and think beyond conventional expectations.

This programme is helping young people to dream outside the limits society has set for them. You can see the impact clearly: it provides the information that empowers them, positions youth as leaders, and uses storytelling as a powerful way to create change. These young reporters are the champions of their communities, exploring their neighbourhoods with notebooks and mobile cameras in hand, capturing the stories that truly matter.

"When we share what we've learned, other girls start to see the possibilities for themselves. They start to ask questions and push back against things like child marriage. It feels like a ripple effect," says Rimjhim.

You can see the ripple effect in the communities where these youth reporters are active. Girls who once thought they had no option but to follow societal expectations are now discovering their rights and standing up for their futures. The stories these young reporters tell go beyond struggles and are filled with hope. 

They show us that, no matter their challenges, young people have the resilience, determination, and courage to create change. More schools and colleges are joining in with similar programmes. Senior district officials praised young people's efforts, highlighting how these initiatives enhance awareness, drive action, and build skills for better employability. 

UNICEF's investment in young voices goes beyond raising awareness—it's about nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. These leaders will embody compassion, understanding, and a deep community commitment. 

By providing young people a platform to share their experiences and opinions, UNICEF empowers a generation of advocates determined to create a better future. Recognizing that youth are not just the future but also the present, UNICEF invests in initiatives like the Community Youth Reporters. These programs address immediate challenges while fostering leadership that will drive lasting change. 

"Our voices matter because we'll live with the consequences of today's decisions. Through this programme, we're not just speaking up; we're learning how to lead," says Baisakhi Ghosh. 

As we look to the future, it's clear that young voices will only grow stronger. They hope for a world where everyone—no matter their background—can live with dignity, respect, and opportunity.

This programme proves that when young people are given the tools and support, they need to tell their stories, they build a future where youth voices are heard and celebrated.

As these young reporters continue to tell their stories to the world, one thing is clear: their work is a testament to the power of youth, the strength of community, and the importance of hope. In West Bengal, they're not just changing the narrative—they're rewriting their future. 

Adapted from UNICEF