The Communication and Journalism Educators’ Network (CJEN), in collaboration with Fojo Media Institute, commenced a two-day national workshop titled “AGILE: Managing Stress and Trauma for Journalism Students” on 12 June 2026 at Chuti Resort, Purbachal, Dhaka. The workshop brings together journalism and communication educators from eight universities across Bangladesh to collaboratively develop and refine courses on stress and trauma management for journalism students. Participating institutions include the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Stamford University Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Jagannath University, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Daffodil International University, Comilla University, and Khulna University.
Facilitated by Prof. Jude William Genilo of CJEN, Ms. Jesmin Papri of Fojo and Rokya, Mahmuda from Living with Wellness, and journalist Kawsar Soheli of Maasranga Television, the workshop builds on the outcomes of a co-design workshop held in April 2026. During the first day, participants presented proposed course outlines designed for implementation at their respective universities. The presentations highlighted course rationales, learning objectives, session structures, assessment strategies, and resource materials, while also emphasizing the unique institutional contexts that shape each proposed curriculum. A panel of facilitators provided feedback and recommendations aimed at strengthening the courses and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
A key feature of the workshop was an online resource session conducted by Andrew Onsongo of East African University Rwanda and author of the Training of Trainers Guidebook on Stress and Trauma. Osongo shared insights on the pedagogical, ethical, and emotional considerations involved in teaching stress and trauma within journalism education. Discussions focused on classroom sensitivities, effective teaching approaches, student well-being, and the boundaries of educator responsibility.
The second day of the workshop is dedicated to lesson planning and teaching pedagogies. Participants will present detailed lesson plans for selected course sessions and engage in interactive discussions on facilitation strategies, student engagement, assessment methods, and the creation of safe and supportive learning environments. An additional session led by Mahmuda will explore practical approaches to teaching stress and trauma while recognizing emotional risks and ethical responsibilities in the classroom.
The workshop forms part of CJEN’s broader efforts to strengthen journalism education in Bangladesh by equipping future journalists with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to navigate the emotional challenges associated with reporting on crises, conflict, disasters, and other traumatic events. At the conclusion of the workshop, participating universities will finalize implementation plans and timelines for integrating the newly developed courses into their academic programs, contributing to a more holistic and well-being-oriented approach to journalism education in Bangladesh.
