Locations
Erbil, 01 October 2019- Nearly 45 young Syrian refugees, internally displaced people and members of host communities from Erbil, Dohuk, Sulaimaniyah and Ninewah were trained on broadcast and photo journalism to become community reporters. The training took place at the University of Kurdistan- Hawler, in Erbil, on 21-30 September 2019.
The European Union’s Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis, the EU MADAD Fund, financed this project under UNDP’s Headway programme to help creative youth enhance their skills and be better positioned in the job market.
“It was a nightmare when Daesh entered my city. My family died during the shelling, but even this gave me more motivation. I want to show people’s life and suffering especially in Ninewah.” Qusay Mustafa Abdulwahab, an internally displaced person from Ninewah, was shortlisted among other youths, 18 to 29 years old, out of 750 applicants.
The trainees learned about journalism, videography and photography techniques, photo storytelling, reporting on camera, writing, editing and much more. The trainers also introduced them to the journalism ethics, human rights, gender and respective applicable laws.
Fatima Nasr Abdulla, a Syrian refugee living in Qushtapa camp, said: “I participated in this training because I want to be an international photographer. This course will be really helpful for us.”
The trainees applied theoretical knowledge through daily field work, producing video reports and photo stories, including about the Old Souq of Erbil, the historic Citadel and Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Rudaw media network hosted the trainees at their studios in a highly interactive experience with editors, on-air-talents and the General Manager, Ako Muhammed. The trainees also enjoyed a tour to the United Nations compound where they met with UNDP and EU officials. They were briefed on the work of different UN agencies as well as UN Volunteers.
Under Headway programme, the community reporters training continues remotely into 2020 during which the graduation ceremony is scheduled.
