MKUTANO WA WAANDISHI WA HABARI WANAFUNZI- UGANDA

NIMEPOKEA MAELEKEZO KUTOKA:
51 Yonge Street +001 (443) 758 – 3796
Suite 4000 – M5E 1J1 editor@dispatchesinternational.org
Toronto, ON Canada http://www.dispatchesinternational.org

endelea nayo...
REPORTER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
[KAMPALA, UGANDA – JUNE 15-22, 2010]

SUMMARY
Dispatches International is a quarterly journal of current events published by approximately two-dozen student journalists from around the world. The publication is interested in developing its reporting staff in Africa. Thus, between June 15 and June 22, 2010, Dispatches International will host the third Reporter Development Conference (RDC) in Kampala, Uganda. Eight ambitious student journalists from across the African continent will attend the RDC, where they will learn how to write credible and readable feature articles about underreported issues that are based on interviews with experts and eyewitnesses.
OBJECTIVES
The RDC will expose eight student journalists to the intricacies of journalism such that they are well-equipped to work as reporters and contribute feature articles to Dispatches International on a quarterly basis. Participants in the RDC will be trained to research assigned topics, conduct interviews, determine the exclusivity of information, and structure and write credible and readable feature articles. Those interested in assuming greater responsibilities may be coached as editors and bureau managers. The Editor-in-Chief of Dispatches International will prepare participants during the RDC to contribute their first articles in mid-July, 2010.
SYLLABUS
The Editor-in-Chief of Dispatches International will manage the RDC and will be assisted by a reporter from the publication. Ten hours of seminars, lectures, and exercises will conducted each day, covering every aspect of the process for writing credible and readable feature articles. Much of the syllabus is encapsulated in The Handbook for Student Journalists, a comprehensive guide written by the staff of Dispatches International. Participants in the RDC will be provided with all required materials. Every lesson must be attended by every participant. All living expenses will be covered during the RDC by Dispatches International.
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GOVERNANCE
The RDC and Dispatches International are managed by a team of talented student journalists. Zachary Fryer-Biggs is the Editor-in-Chief if Dispatches International and founding Editor-in-Chief of The Epoch Journal. He has worked in journalism for several years at a variety of publications and is studying for a Masters degree at The Journalism School of Columbia University. Malcolm Cecil-Cockwell is the Publisher of Dispatches International and has worked on several publications, as well as freelanced extensive reports and a book for the Limberlost Press. Kyra Powell is the Senior Editor of Dispatches International and was the main organizer of the 2009 RDC, which was held in Huntsville, Canada. This team of student journalists works closely with the two-dozen reporters who strive to make Dispatches International the foremost student publication in the world.
APPLICANTS
Student journalists interested in attending the RDC should be committed to developing their research and writing skills and must be willing to sign a two-year contract as a reporter with Dispatches International. Having a record as a published student journalist or contributor to news publications is an asset. Bursaries are available in increments of $100.00 and must be applied for while applicants simultaneously fundraise for themselves; applicants who request full funding or an inordinate amount of financial support will be disregarded. Student journalists interested in attending the RDC should fill out and return the attached application to editor@dispatchesinternational.org by May 15th, 2010.
CONCLUSION
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli of the United Kingdom, “The best way to become acquainted with a subject is to write a book about it.” The philosophy driving Dispatches International is that by engaging young people in the production of a reputable publication, they will be free of apathy and be able to perceive the world around them autonomously. Furthermore, by publishing articles that are based on interviews and focused on conferring exclusive information to a wide audience, Dispatches International improves the global understanding of international issues and thereby acts as a catalyst for much-needed discussion about social change. The RDC will be a key event in training student journalists that will achieve these goals by contributing regularly to Dispatches International.
More information about the RDC is available by contacting Dispatches International via telephone or email. Applications to participate in the RDC are due no later than May 15th, 2010. All electronic correspondence should be directed to editor@dispatchesinternational.org.