Salt Lake: These first-generation learners have been trying to usher in a change through their short films. Now students from Kenya, living under similar constraints, have joined in their effort.

Meet Shikha Patra, Gopal Roy and Priya Sutradhar - all college students and residents of Dakshindari in Salt Lake - who will take part in an eight-month exchange programme with students of Kenya.

Their goal: to learn filmmaking and mobilise communities in both countries by bringing sensitive issues under the spotlight.

Prayasam, a Salt Lake-based NGO Prayasam, has been working with Slum Dwellers International (SDI) to facilitate an exchange between their youth leaders or changemakers, hailing from marginalised communities, since last year.

February to May will see Kenyan students of SDI working with team Prayasam. In June, the students from India will return the favour, learning, working and mobilising with various African communities. "Just like the Kenyan students will get a flavour of life in Calcutta, we will also learn their way of tackling a problem," Priya, 18, said.

"It will be exciting to meet African students and hear about their problems. Many may not be even relatable. We have already started interacting with them on Skype," said Shikha, who will meet them for the first time in a youth camp in Kampala, Uganada, on January 28.

"To me the exchange programme will be an opportunity to imbibe the culture and lifestyle of Kenyans in between sharing filmmaking tips," added the 20-year-old whose films went to several international festivals.

It will be their first visit abroad for Priya and Gopal. "Going to Kenya will be a whole new learning experience. The camp at Kampala will be a warm-up for the things to come. We know the technical aspect of filmmaking. We hope to learn about the softer side of filmmaking, how we can present community stories better," added Gopal, 24.

Around 200 students associated with Prayasam work in its grassroots film studio, learning how to make films with limited equipment. The NGO works with 12 communities in and around Salt Lake, trying to empower the youth through basic filmmaking.

"Our students make films on issues that affect them directly," said Amlan Ganguly, the founder-director of the organisation.

A simple storyline is often woven around grave topics such as gender-discrimination, verbal abuse, peer pressure, sexual exploitation, inter-personal relationships, violence, human trafficking and early marriage.

The students also organise an annual film festival - Bad and Beautiful World - on the occasion of World Environment Day to showcase their films.