By Shehneela Mazhar:
In the vibrant city of Karachi, where dreams and aspirations intertwine, lives Atiya Abbas, a shining star and Fulbright exchange program alumna from 2013. Fueled by a passion to empower young minds, Atiya embarked on a remarkable journey through the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program. Her project, titled “Getting Your MoJo On – A Citizen Journalism Course for Young Adults,” aimed to equip aspiring journalists with essential skills in the ever-changing media landscape.
The project brought together 30 talented participants, comprising 15 women and 15 men from various universities across Karachi. Together, they delved into the world of citizen journalism, exploring the processes of writing stories for social media, digital platforms, and television.
For 13 weeks, Atiya created a vibrant learning environment where participants not only gained valuable knowledge but also fostered a sense of camaraderie. Through engaging discussions on critical issues, captivating photography excursions, and hands-on assignments in shooting and editing, the young minds flourished under Atiya’s mentorship.
To bridge the gap between aspiring journalists and industry professionals, Atiya invited working journalists to share their experiences and challenges. The exchange of ideas motivated the participants to strive for excellence, knowing they had the potential to bring about positive change through their storytelling.
The impact was profound. Participants developed a keen eye for uncovering stories that truly mattered. Their videos shed light on pressing social issues, amplifying the voices of their communities and empowering others to take action.
Zainab Hussain, one of the participants, shared, “The training taught us to be bold and fearless in telling stories. We learned the power of our voices and the impact they can have on society.”
Another participant, Duha Abdullah, added, “Atiya’s mentorship inspired us to use journalism as a tool for change. Now, we can tell the stories that need to be heard.”
The collaboration with the U.S. Mission and PUAN was a true partnership, with unwavering support from the mission staff. Through social media, the project’s impact reached far beyond the workshop, inspiring others to embrace citizen journalism and amplify voices that needed to be heard.
As the sun set over Karachi, Atiya’s legacy continued to shine brightly. The next generation of citizen journalists, equipped with valuable skills and a passion for change, stood ready to make a difference. Through their words and storytelling, they would continue Atiya’s journey of empowerment, one story at a time.
