The most recent cohort of the New Media School officially graduated early March 2020. The New Media School is an intensive ten-month program organized by the National Democratic Institute with funding from USAID. Since May 2019, the multi-ethnic participants learned and practiced skills in using social media for digital campaigning. Representatives from Kosovo’s political parties and non-governmental organizations gathered on March 4th to celebrate the 23 young women and men who comprised the fifth cohort of the New Media School. The young graduates represented various youth political parties and non-governmental organizations from minority communities across Kosovo.
As part of this program, participants, who represented Serb, Bosniak, and Roma communities, formed two digital campaigning groups based on shared interests or concerns of their communities. One group sought to raise awareness on illegal dumps and advocate for behavior change regarding waste disposal; while the other group aimed to promote the shared natural and cultural values of their cities and their personal stories as a way to increase tourism. International experts and mentors facilitated and coached the participants to combine theoretical learning with skill-building activities. The learning-by-doing methodology enabled the participants to apply best practices to their ongoing political and social engagements.
While the current social distancing measures are keeping citizens inside, the New Media School graduates are already putting their newfound skills for digital campaigning to practice by raising awareness on the official guidance for staying safe and the impact these measures are having on their communities. Participants are using their skills to help political parties and non-governmental organizations stay in touch with constituents and community members—and even providing support to elderly members in their communities.
NDI for USAIDKosovo