Sharjah Press Club Launches New Podcast Training Programme For Youth Development

The Sharjah Press Club (SPC), part of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), has introduced a new training initiative under its Ithmar media programme. This programme, now in its seventh edition, is renowned in the UAE for empowering young people through media training. The latest edition will commence on 14th July and span one month, focusing on podcast production and hosting.

Participants will receive training in collaboration with CNN Arabic and experienced media professionals specialising in vocal production and audio storytelling. Tariq Saeed Allay, SGMB's Director-General, highlighted that this initiative aligns with Sharjah’s commitment to investing in future generations. He emphasised the programme's alignment with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision to equip youth with skills for self-expression and media professionalism.

The upcoming Ithmar edition offers participants practical experience in podcast creation. They will engage in activities from idea generation to scriptwriting, recording, and editing. This hands-on approach aims to enhance their analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills while allowing them to express their interests and viewpoints effectively.

This year's participants, aged 10-15, were selected through nominations by previous Ithmar graduates interested in audio content. A specialised committee evaluated these candidates to ensure they possessed the passion and dedication required for full participation in the programme.

Since its inception, Ithmar has trained over 450 individuals through more than 200 hours of workshops across six cycles. Graduates have had opportunities to participate in significant local and international events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), Global Media Congress, and Saudi Media Forum.

The programme's excellence was recognised when it received the Kuwait Creativity Award for its role in nurturing future media leaders. This accolade underscores Ithmar's impact on preparing young changemakers for the media industry.

Tariq Saeed Allay noted that podcasts enable participants to establish a positive digital presence capable of reaching wider audiences. This effort supports Sharjah’s goal of promoting a people-centric media model.

Ithmar continues to build on past successes by offering specialised training that adapts to current media trends. The initiative reflects Sharjah’s dedication to fostering a new generation equipped with essential tools for responsible media engagement.

With inputs from WAM