As an award-winning journalist with over five years of experience, I have always been passionate about fostering a more inclusive and representative media landscape. This motivation led me to apply to the Western Balkans Media for Change project, specifically through my initiative ‘Youth Voices of Kosovo: Empowering Tomorrow’s Storytellers’. This initiative aimed to address the underrepresentation of youth perspectives in mainstream media by establishing a youth-led media outlet focused on issues relevant to the youth population in Kosovo.
The support provided by the Western Balkans Media for Change project was instrumental in turning this vision into reality. One of the most significant benefits was the financial assistance, which enabled me to develop a professional platform, www.genvox.org * – a media platform focused on youth audiences. The mentoring support was equally valuable, offering guidance and insights that helped me navigate initial challenges such as establishing credibility and ensuring sustainability.
* The platform is currently running a test version but will be officially launched by end of the month with all relevant content.
Vision Statement: The GenVox.org platform envisions a future where young voices unite to shape a diverse and inclusive society, inspiring meaningful change and empowerment.
Mission Statement: The GenVox.org platform is a dynamic platform where young journalists and storytellers engage with their peers and audience, fostering a community of expression, empowerment, and inspiration. Our mission is to inspire, inform and advocate for positive change, ensuring that the voices of tomorrow are heard today.
The training and workshops we participated in were incredibly impactful, with each session led by experienced trainers who provided invaluable insights. Workshop 1 helped us define our idea, conduct a SWOT analysis and understand market competition. Workshops 2 through 5 guided us through business mapping, creating personas, developing a content plan and validating our idea using various strategies, including the Mom Test and hypothesis validation. These sessions culminated in updating our Business Model Canvas (BMC) and exploring funding opportunities, significantly aiding in refining and growing my project.
Programmes like the Western Balkans Media for Change are crucial because they provide the necessary resources and support for media professionals to innovate and expand their work. By supporting initiatives that promote good journalism, audience engagement and representation of marginalised groups, these programmes help create a more equitable and dynamic media environment. For me, participating in this programme was a transformative experience that underscored the power of media in shaping society and the importance of giving a voice to youth.