BRAC, in a joint initiative with Pratichi Trust, have trained 32 grassroots women from different districts of Bangladesh in Journalism under a one-year Fellowship programme. Upon successful completion of the programme called Salma Sobhan Fellowship in Journalism for Women, 200 grassroots women of different districts of Bangladesh are to receive training in Journalism over a period of 3 years with the aim to facilitate their choosing a challenging career like Journalism. At a certificate awarding ceremony chaired by Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson, BRAC, held at the BRAC Centre Auditorium, the 32 Fellows received certificates from the hands of Rehman Sobhan, Chairperson, Pratichi Trust. Also present were Matiur Rahman, Editor, Prothom Alo, Sultana Kamal, Executive Director, Ain O Shalish Kendra, and Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Director, BRAC Training Division.

For the first pilot training programme, BRAC and Pratichi Trust partnered with Prothom Alo, a leading Bangladeshi Daily. Through this collaboration, trainee fellows received training on theoretical and practical aspects of journalism. The field trips provided first-hand knowledge about the realities of Bangladesh. Also, under the Teacher-Mentor supervision they learnt how to extract news from life in rural areas.

Now their work is seen in print media throughout the country and as a result, the programme is receiving more recognition countrywide. The works of the fellows are not only highlighting various human rights and social issues in the country, but are also taking a bold step forward into the challenging field of journalism. Daily Prothom Alo has published a number of features written by the fellows and the media has given the programme significant coverage. The second batch is expected to be trained on electronic journalism, which would be exciting, encouraging and interesting for the new generations. And with the emergence of several new T.V. channels, it is hoped it will add a new dimension in the careers of women in Bangladesh. Discussions in this regard were already held with Channel i and their support has been promised.

BRAC has kept a collection of the writings and are also publishing some selected works from the first batch. This will provide good exposure for the fellows and their work. In order to ensure future sustainability of the program the idea of an independent news agency where the fellows can continue their work has been contemplated by many people involved in the programme. This will help trainees to continue on with careers in the challenging field of journalism. And along with Professor Rehman Sobhan it is hoped, “this News Network will be Salma Sobhan Fellows treasure, where all the organizations can turn to and use the resources for the betterment of this country”.

© 2005 BRAC Bangladesh
75 Mohakhali
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh