UNICEF "Young Journalists" hit the streets of Myanmar
Media by children for children YANGON, 27 October 2005 – UNICEF Myanmar has trained a dozen “young journalists” between 12 and 17 years of age who will be placed with eight of the leading private print publications in Yangon.The young journalists were trained in basic reporting concepts, interviewing techniques, photography, story writing and media ethics. They were then teamed with seasoned reporters, also trained by UNICEF, who will provide the young people with guidance, and help foster their development as journalists. “This is one way we hope to give young people in Myanmar an opportunity to share their ideas with wider audiences,” said UNICEF Representative Carroll Long, “and it’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to demonstrate just how much they are capable of.” For its first group of young journalists, UNICEF selected young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have a unique insight into the challenges children in Myanmar face. Many said they found inspiration in this experience. “Before the training, I didn’t even know what being a journalist was about,” said one 14-year-old participant. “Now I have learned lots of valuable things, especially media ethics, which is my favorite lesson of the training. I’ll never forget to seek the truth as a reporter.” “Young people’s ideas are valuable, worthy of respect, and should be heard,” said Carroll Long. “While adults have an important role to play in educating children, we should never forget that children can teach us much about life as well.” *************** The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) establishes that children have the right to express their views, and the right to impart information through the media. Myanmar ratified the CRC in 1991. *************** For further information please contact: Jason Rush, Communication Officer, UNICEF in Myanmar
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