Youth & Citizen Journalism is a forward-looking and empowering initiative of the Communication and Research Foundation (CRF), designed to bring the voices of young people and ordinary citizens into the heart of the news ecosystem. At a time when information moves fast and grassroots realities often remain unheard, this program works to bridge that gap.

Through this initiative, CRF engages promising young talents and socially conscious citizens and introduces them to the principles and practices of responsible journalism. Educated youth and active citizens are encouraged to act as credible sources of information from their own communities, campuses, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By reporting from where they stand, they contribute first-hand accounts of events, public concerns, and social developments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The program emphasizes the role of participants as eyewitnesses in news-making and truth-seeking. CRF provides guidance on basic journalistic skills such as news identification, verification, ethical reporting, and responsible use of digital platforms. Participants learn how to document facts accurately, avoid misinformation, and present stories that reflect lived realities and public interest.

Youth & Citizen Journalism also aims to cultivate civic responsibility and critical awareness. By involving citizens directly in the process of information gathering, the initiative strengthens democratic participation and promotes transparency and accountability at the local level. It transforms passive media consumers into active contributors to public discourse.

By nurturing a network of informed, ethical, and engaged youth and citizen reporters, CRF seeks to create a vibrant grassroots information ecosystem. This initiative not only amplifies diverse voices but also helps build a more inclusive, participatory, and truth-oriented media culture.