LAHORE: A week-long Punjab’s Citizen Journalism Residency Programme concluded at the Information Technology University (ITU) on Saturday in coordination with thee US Embassy.

Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the Lahore US Consulate Elizabeth Lee urged the participants to report authentic content to pass on the information based on facts to the public. Citizen journalists gathered to develop their skills in reporting and fact finding was encouraging as it would promote the future journalism, she said.

She said that the US Consulate would continue to support the development of these skills and to help in building on a more prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.

ITU Director of Academics Farzana Shahid called the platform helpful for young journalists to share their experiences from diversified background and advised to remain responsible while reporting for healthy journalism.

The programme hosted 30 young candidates from across Pakistan and provided them with a forum to gain new skills offered by visiting trainers and speakers. Coming from different academic and geographical backgrounds, the participants brought various new aspects and perspectives during the program.

The participants actively took part and engaged in daily discussions that covered various aspects of citizen journalism: ethics, new trends, digital media, under-reported issues, gender roles and others. Aspiring citizen journalists also acquired new skills, including news writing, reporting, editing and creating web content through photojournalism for different media. The network of bright and competent individuals also offered an opportunity for the participants for networking and creating new synergies.

The participation certificates were awarded among the young journalists who vowed to utilize the newly acquired skills to excel in their academic pursuits and realize their role as active and responsible citizens of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2019