BAMYAN - A radio report on the difficulties of living in the caves in Bamyan that used to house towering Buddha statues won a national radio competition hosted by the Strategic Communications and Spokesperson’s Unit (SCSU) of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The aim of the competition was to promote local journalists.

The winning report, produced by Abdullah Shaigan, a 22-year old student at Bamyan University, focuses on the life of a family which has recently returned to Afghanistan with no other option for shelter except to live in a cave.

“I can’t afford to live anywhere else. If I could I would not life in the cave,” said Mohammad Sarwar, the head of the cave-dwelling family.

Fourteen reporters from around the country submitted stories to the competition which was called “I love you Afghanistan”. Four finalists were chosen by a panel of judges.

UNAMA had invited journalists and youth from throughout Afghanistan to submit their work. Entrants were asked to prepare reports on a topics relating to UNAMA’s mandate such as peace and reconciliation, freedom of media, human rights, the elimination of violence against women, child protection and regional cooperation.

The criteria used by the panel to choose winners included production quality, accuracy, relevance of the story to UNAMA’s mandate and creativity.

“Radio is the most important channel for communication with the people and involving them in discussions and debate on national issues of social, cultural and political interest,” said Massoumeh Torfeh, the Director of SCSU. “Some reporters however don’t focus on all aspects of a quality radio report.”

A submission from Abdul Wadood Wahidi, from Kunduz Province, won second place. A piece by Mohammad Dawood Kazimi, from Herat Province, came in third place.

The panel of judges included Mohammad Siddiq Amarkhil, a UNAMA employee, Khalil Noori, who works as a reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and Hameed Mohmand, a senior reporter for Radio Azadi.

“This step by UNAMA will encourage the youths who are interesting in journalism,” said Noori.

The prize for first place is two months of training with the BBC. The second place winner also earned one month training with Radio Azadi. Third place earned fifteen days with Radio Azadi.