3 Days Advocacy Workshop held in GCDP Office Kalam

Report by: Hayat Mohammad (Media and Communication Officer GCDP)

Dated: March 01, 2025

The advocacy workshop took place in Kalam, Swat, with a focus on the Gawri language, an indigenous and marginalized language spoken in Kalam and the Upper Dir District. The Gawri Community Development Program (GCDP) is dedicated to saving, promoting, and preserving the Gawri language and culture. GCDP establishes strong networks with both government and community stakeholders by advocacy and lobbying events to initiate mother tongue-based curriculum in government schools up to grade five. The aim of the workshop was to train the organization’s staff in making effective advocacy and lobbying campaigns.

Key Points of the Workshop

• Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE): GCDP is implementing MTBMLE in Kalam and surrounding villages, acknowledging the importance of teaching curricula in the mother language up to Grade 5, as recommended by UNESCO.
• Advocacy and Lobbying Efforts: The organization is actively engaging in advocacy and lobbying campaigns aimed at government stakeholders to promote the initiation of mother tongue-based education in Gawri-speaking areas.
• Purpose of the Workshop: The workshop was designed for GCDP staff members to help them develop effective advocacy plans and craft compelling campaign messages to support their cause.
• Facilitation by Media and Communication Officer: The GCDP's Media and Communication Officer led the workshop. He provided insights into utilizing local media and communication strategies specifically tailored for advocating Mother Tongue Based Education. The key topics covered included:
  
  • Crafting Effective Messages: Techniques to create clear and impactful messages for advocacy.
  • Identifying Target Audiences: The significance of recognizing the intended audience to enhance message effectiveness.
  • Evaluating Media Messages: Methods for assessing the reach and impact of the messages disseminated through various media channels.

The workshop aimed to empower GCDP staff with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively advocate for the preservation of the Gawri language and the implementation of education in the mother tongue.