November 3, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. – Fifteen Egyptian print journalists completed the first week of an 8-week training session as part of the International Journalism and Media Management Training Program. The 13 women and 2 men are working journalists at a variety of newspapers and magazines in Cairo.
The participants will spend two more weeks in Bowling Green for an intensive training session that will include the publication of a daily, web-based newspaper. The Egyptians then travel in pairs to regional newspapers for a three-week internship with American professionals. The Egyptians return to Bowling Green for a final session called “Training of Trainers.” The participants return to Egypt on December 18.
Peter Laufer, lead trainer, facilitates and teaches sessions ranging from ethics to feature writing. WKU School of Journalism and Broadcasting faculty from a variety of disciplines supplements him. Activities in week two include a tour of the Bowling Green Police Department and touring the Free Clinic.
As part of the eight-week training, the Egyptians are paired with American hosts made up of WKU faculty, staff and friends. Activities include hosting dinners at homes and taking the Egyptians to polling locations on Election Day.
The project is collaboration among Western Kentucky University’s Public Broadcasting, Western’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting, Al-Ahram Regional Press Institute, and Internews Networks.
This project is funded by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development with support from Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). McConnell recognized the collaborative possibilities of Western and Internews and was instrumental in bringing the partners together and in the continuing support for this program.
For more information, contact Jerry Barnaby, 1-800-599-2424, or email jerry.barnaby@wku.edu. More information will also be found at www.wkyu.org.
-WKU-
WKU News & Events
Division of Public Affairs
Western Kentucky University
1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, Ky. 42101-3576
Phone: (270) 745-4295 ~ Fax: (270) 745-5387 ~ E-Mail: western@wku.edu
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