Comic strips are not only fun, these can be also used as a tool to address various social, political, cultural and environmental issues. It is a great way to involve youth and give them an outlet to express their thoughts and ideas through comics. Youth from nearby villages participated in the workshop and came up with their very own comic strips after initial training by our Resource Persons. Their creations portrayed the problems faced by women on body shaming, some portrayed a story on their local hero; some shared their passions through comics, and more.
North East Network organised a “Two Days Engagement with Youth through Comic Strip Workshop” in Rohbah, Meghalaya on 28th-29th January 2021. Youth from nearby villages participated in the workshop with enthusiasm as it was a captivating session. Before indulging into the process, all the participants got the chance to introduce themselves and share their passions and interests. Resource persons elucidated on how to make drawings that portrays stories focusing on minute details; instructing participants to draw comics that are related to their interests and life situations.
In the evening, NEN staff along with some youth and an elderly man from the village who is an influencer gathered around the campfire to deliberate on environmental issues faced in the village through practices of modern agriculture. It was informed that the people from the villages practice modern agriculture (usage of pesticides and chemically produced fertilizers) that has affected the environment in and around the area, affecting their land, produce and even their water sources (even the fish sanctuary that is in the village). This practice is harmful for the long run and not sustainable at all especially for the future generations. The conversations had will lead to possible further collaborations with youth from the village.
