Journalists For Change
BackgroundWith journalism programs expanding to include more students, there was a need to create a focused program for students who are interested in writing about issues affecting their schools, their society and the global community. With the support of the Three Dot Dash / We are Family foundation and the International Education and Resources Network, Journalists for Change was created for thirty students to take part in a group of workshops in the city of Hebron.
The project was opened by the Director of the Education Department in Hebron, and a group of prominent professional journalists. Training was lead by professional journalists from Al-Jazeera Channel and Agence France-Presse with the exception of some workshops on writing skills, which were lead by special teachers. Students were introduced to the process of making photo-stories, the concept of social media, and the possibility of using media for advocacy | MissionThe mission of Journalists for Change is to create a suitable space for students to discuss and write about their issues and then advocate for them. By introducing them to media tools like filmmaking, writing and blogging, Journalists for Change created student ambassadors who reflect the voice of students in front of local officials and on the international stage.
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Activities
Workshops:
Over two years of Journalists for Change work, many workshops were held for young students with a focus on local issues (like child labour and social traditions), where journalism can be used for advocacy. The workshops were not only focused on teaching and training the students, but also in helping them take actions as young journalists. Students were mentored in a way that helped them become involved in social work in their particular areas of interest as well as becoming aware of other issues through independent research.
The workshops were held irregularly due to funding issues. Initial funds came from a $1,500 Three Dot Dash Award to Mahmoud Jabari as a global teen leader. They continued to work through different small funds, especially from Canadian Friends contacted through JFC Friend Omar Chu, who helped twice in raising small funds for workshops.
January 2009, Al Jazeera reporter in West Bank Wael Shioukhy is giving a presentation about news reporting.
Summer Camps:
Part of JFC’s mission is helping students spend their summertime in a beneficial fashion especially since cities like Hebron have very little activity available for teenagers. At JFC summer camps students had the chance to learn about news coverage in conflict zones, to use professional cameras and other Press equipment to make small videos, and to watch films about journalistic work.
JFC implemented this project in collaboration with some prominent journalists and cameramen. In the summer of 2010, JFC implemented its camp in collaboration with Reuters’ cameraman and reporter in Hebron and Agence France-Presse’s photographer, who offered their expertise to students over the summer.
These camps included practical training for participants, where the JFC team with the help of some actors created some mock events to test students’ ability to apply the rules they had learned as well as to have fun with their new-found skills.
JFC implemented this project in collaboration with some prominent journalists and cameramen. In the summer of 2010, JFC implemented its camp in collaboration with Reuters’ cameraman and reporter in Hebron and Agence France-Presse’s photographer, who offered their expertise to students over the summer.
These camps included practical training for participants, where the JFC team with the help of some actors created some mock events to test students’ ability to apply the rules they had learned as well as to have fun with their new-found skills.
What Do Our People Think ?
Jana Tahboub
16 years old, Member in JFC.
I still remember that deep smile on my face when my teacher told me I’ll attend the “Journalist for Change” program! I had a look that, for sure, had shown my excitement and desire to be in that program. I know it was a pretty short workshop that lasted for three days only. But, of course its effect lasts forever. We interacted with different people, real journalists, supervisors, cameramen, and further more. We also had teenage mentors who had participated in the prior “Journalists for Change” workshops and benefited very much. To me, it meant a lot being in the workshop. I’m an energetic girl, and I believe I needed a chance in which I could use this energy!
“Journalists for Change” is a very good opportunity to learn, interact, work, and share. Throughout the workshop I found out that nothing is impossible. We always need to do extra effort if something didn’t work out the first time. Young Palestinians’ voices exist, but they need a chance to strengthen them. A strong personality, passion to learn and give, hard work, and the ability to speak out loudly, and being effective is what you guys will have after attending the “Journalists for Change” program. I touched the change, and you will.
See Jana's blog " Jana Live "
“Journalists for Change” is a very good opportunity to learn, interact, work, and share. Throughout the workshop I found out that nothing is impossible. We always need to do extra effort if something didn’t work out the first time. Young Palestinians’ voices exist, but they need a chance to strengthen them. A strong personality, passion to learn and give, hard work, and the ability to speak out loudly, and being effective is what you guys will have after attending the “Journalists for Change” program. I touched the change, and you will.
See Jana's blog " Jana Live "
Omar Chu
19 years old. Donations Coordinator for JFC.
I feel privileged to consider Mahmoud as a friend, a colleague and a hero. Over his past three years as a journalist, Mahmoud has shown incredible bravery: not simply the bravery required to take photographs in dangerous situations, but the bravery to go against wide-ranging societal pressures, to share and stand by his values in his opinion pieces and to report accurately and objectively in his news-reports.
With Journalists for Change, Mahmoud shared his dedication to the power of raising and developing the youth voice. With the focus on journalism and “new media,” the project looked to harness the tools necessary to build this voice and empower youth to create a better future. That is why, with the generous help of Dr. Charles Best Secondary School’s Students Promoting International Improvement Now school-group, I raised funds for Journalists for Change.
* Video report is coming soon.
