Erbil, 06 December 2019- “This training will help us in many ways, such as finding a job in journalism and finding new opportunities in life.” Shahad Hussein Al-Tamimi, from Missan, was among thirty-five Iraqi youth from the southern governorates to be trained on broadcast and photo journalism to become community reporters. 

The trainees came from Basra, Missan and Thi Qar to receive the training in Erbil, on 1-5 December 2019. The European Unionfunded this project, under UNDP’s programme Supporting Recovery and Stability in Iraq through Local Development, to help creative youth enhance their skills and be better positioned in the job market.

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. Furthermore, the Old Souq of Erbil and the historic Citadel were inevitable destinations for the trainees to produce culturally rich videos and photos. 

Bilal Al-Ghurabi, from Basra, said: “I participated in this training for I see it as an opportunity to develop our skills and gain experience in the fields of journalism and photography.”

“I wish we can serve our governorate, even a bit, and to tell the truth to the world about Thi Qar and its people,” added Zaid Abd Alghani, from Thi Qar. 

The trainees had a discussion with the Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq, Ms. Zena Ali-Ahmad. “The role of youth in developing their communities, and in contributing to placing Iraq on a path of stability, safety and prosperity that is also full of human development in all its aspects is essential,” she reaffirmed.

Under the programme Supporting Recovery and Stability in Iraq through Local Development, the community reporters training continues remotely into 2020 during which the graduation ceremony is scheduled. With their talents and newly acquired skills, the trainees will be covering UNDP activities and other local development stories in their governorates as freelance community reporters.