Moments like this bring me joy and sadness simultaneously. I am thrilled that the first cohort of a 12-week online ‘civil society writing and outreach course’ has successfully completed all the modules. At the same time, I am sad that our regular online meetings are over as well. Of course, joyful feelings prevail.
Organised by Groningen-based EUCAM (Europe Central Asia Monitoring) of CESS (Centre for European Security Studies) in collaboration with Brussels-based independent think-tank ENC (European Neighbourhood Council), the course brought together eight civil society leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It offered thematic interactive workshops on policy-oriented writing, developing a personal online brand, drafting project proposals, becoming successful trainers, connecting with EU policy-makers and presenting in public. The curriculum was packed and our participants - Asel, Erkin, Farida, Gulbara, Leyla Zuleikha, Madina, Naima and Uluk - did wonderfully. We all have learnt so much from each other in the process, I am forever grateful for this experience.
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impossibility of travelling, EUCAM, ENC and loyal supporters made it possible for the writing and outreach training to be delivered online. Our educational approach was adapted to new realities and offline obligations of the participants. Meeting virtually once a week allowed to combine training with professional commitments.
Now, the good news is that participants are not quite done yet. All eight of them are scheduled to appear on the ENC's 'In-Depth' podcast series. Moreover, there will be publications! Lookout for EUCAM commentary, EUCAM Watch newsletter and ENC Analysis. More information on these exciting products will follow here on plovism, on the EUCAM website, ENC website and across social media.
So, another group of wonderful people is now part of the EUCAM alumni network, working towards making Central Asia a better place.
The course was made possible with the generous support of the Open Society Foundations and the European Endowment for Democracy. You can learn more about the course by clicking here.
