From February 9th to February 15th 2025, campaigners of the “Work for Work” campaign under the Networks of Change 2 (NoC2) programme took part in an intensive media training program in Erbil. With aims to strengthen their communication and media skills, the training aimed to enhance their ability to amplify campaign messages effectively and engage wider audiences.

The programme covered four key areas of media and content creation. A graphic design session, led by professionals from LOOP Agency, equipped participants with the skills to create visually compelling campaign materials using Canva. Another session, focused on video shooting and editing with CapCut, enabled campaigners to produce high-quality video content to make their storytelling more impactful. Canva and CapCut were specifically chosen for these trainings as they are already widely used by young people and offer both free and paid versions, making them highly accessible. Paired with mobile phone video shooting, these tools allow campaigners to create compelling content without additional costs. This approach ensures that the community can effectively raise their voices and advocate for change using readily available resources.

Media expert Pshtiwan Jalal introduced campaigners to mobile journalism (Mojo), news reporting, and content writing for social media, ensuring they could deliver clear and engaging messages. Public speaking training, led by Govar Haris, focused on effective communication, confidence building, and audience engagement, providing campaigners with the skills to deliver compelling speeches during their upcoming events.

These newly acquired skills will allow campaigners to communicate the core messages of the “Work for Work” campaign more effectively and expand their reach within their respective cities. Beyond the campaign, the training also enhances their employability by equipping them with practical skills in media and communications, opening doors for job opportunities in related fields.

Strengthening voices through media training

The media training sessions were structured to go beyond technical skill-building, focusing on equipping campaigners with the confidence and knowledge to communicate their messages effectively. Trainers emphasised the role of media as a tool for amplifying voices, encouraging participation, and driving social impact. Through this training, campaigners developed the skills necessary to craft compelling narratives, ensuring their messages resonate with a wider audience and inspire meaningful change.

Videography trainer Zhiran Taha emphasised the emotional impact of storytelling through film. “A well-edited video can do more than just look good—it can make people feel something. Helping these young creatives learn how to bring their ideas to life through video is giving them a tool to inspire and lead change through the ‘Work for Work’ campaign.” By mastering video production and editing, campaigners gained the ability to craft compelling visual content that enhances their message.

Graphic designer trainer Rebar Shukur built on this idea, explaining how design plays a fundamental role in communication. “Teaching design isn’t just about software and techniques—it’s about helping these young people see opportunities, express themselves, deliver the ‘Work for Work’ campaign messages, and build something meaningful for their future.” By developing skills in graphic design, campaigners can now create visually engaging materials that effectively support their advocacy.

Public speaking trainer Govar Haris stated the importance of confident communication, ensuring that campaigners could express their ideas with impact. “Now, you have the opportunity to become ambassadors within your communities, showcasing the talents of your peers and inspiring others to recognise hidden abilities. By doing so, you can help restore hope among young people and boost their self-esteem to make positive change through the ‘Work for Work’ campaign.” Training in public speaking enabled campaigners to build confidence and establish stronger connections with their audiences.

Campaigner’s perspectives: learning, growth and impact  

For the campaigners, this training reshaped their approach to media and communication, equipping them with new skills and perspectives. It provided them with the tools to effectively convey their messages, refine their storytelling abilities, and strengthen their confidence in engaging with different audiences. 

“An important takeaway from the training”

“One of the most important lessons from this workshop was understanding how to be both an activist and a journalist, specifically by practising mobile journalism.” Sivar Star, a Networks of Change campaigner

Sivar Star described the training as an opportunity to merge activism with journalism, a skill she found particularly valuable. “One of the most important lessons from this training was understanding how to be both an activist and a journalist, specifically by practising mobile journalism.” She explained that learning how to capture, present, and deliver news effectively using just a mobile phone gave her the ability to document stories in real-time. She also gained insights into professional reporting techniques, allowing her to ensure that campaign messages reach audiences clearly and effectively. With this foundation in mobile journalism, she now feels more prepared to document and share the realities of her community.

Building on this, Shuhra Muhammed emphasised the significance of content writing in ensuring their messages resonate with young audiences. “As participants in the Media Journalism Training, we took part in a three-day workshop in Erbil. During this training, we gained valuable insights into content writing and preparation, ensuring that our messages are delivered to young audiences in a clearer and more effective way.” She found that learning to structure content persuasively and deliver it with clarity will be vital in shaping narratives that effectively support their campaign goals.

Equipped with new skills, the 21 campaigners of the NoC2 “Work for Work” campaign are now better positioned to share their stories, engage their communities , and advocate for change. By combining their newfound expertise in journalism, public speaking, and digital media, they have strengthened their ability to communicate with impact. Beyond the immediate goals of their campaign, these skills also improve their employability, paving the way for future opportunities in media, advocacy, and communications.