On 28 september, 2022, a seminar titled “Role of Communication in Child Issues” was organized by the Center for Social Innovation and Sustainability (CSIS) of the University of Rajshahi. The event, held at a hotel in Rajshahi city, featured prominent guests, including UNICEF Bangladesh’s Chief of Communication for Bangladesh Jenny Gamming. UNICEF’s office in charge for the divisions of Rangpur and Rajshahi, Soniya Afrin, Social and Behavior Change Officer Monjur Ahmed, and Wash Officer Ruhul Amin, were also present as key figures. Along with them journalists and voluntary workers from influential media outlets in Northern Bangladesh, attended the program.

This initiative, supported by CSIS and UNICEF, highlighted awareness-raising activities carried out by North Bengal Youth Forum and North Bengal Journalists Forum in 16 districts of Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions during 2021 and 2022. The programs aimed at creating awareness about COVID-19 safety measures and preventing child abuse.

The seminar, led by Dr. Naziat Hossain Choudhury, Professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and a member of CSIS’s Governing Council, featured discussions by Jenny Gamming, Dr. Pradip Kumar Panday, Director of CSIS and Professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and other experts. The event also showcased informative visuals created based on the experiences gained from these initiatives.

Jenny Gamming emphasized the crucial role of communication in increasing awareness about child protection and preventing the violation of children’s rights. She stressed the importance of media in promoting awareness and encouraged both national and local media to actively engage in such national programs.

At the event, notable participants included governing council members of CSIS, M. Golam Rabbani, Dr. Mozammel Hossain Bakul, Dr. A.B.M Saiful Islam, Dr. A.K.M Mahmudul Haque.

The seminar, 13 journalists and 27 young enthusiastic students, provided a platform for sharing experiences and challenges faced during these initiatives. The participants discussed the role of communication in addressing child-related issues, acknowledging the active involvement of media in creating awareness and promoting social change.