Young reporters explore and raise vital community issues

The third edition of the "Khoshoracuyc" (Magnifier) newspaper has just been published, and students like 15-year-old Arsen Antonyan are determined to make it an agent for change by reporting on issues like the absence of a proper garbage collection system in most districts of their community.

“Things have become serious indeed; right by the side of the garbage there are homeless dogs, who during cold winter mornings become very dangerous especially for the students,” he says. “We have raised the issue in front of the head of the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district, and he promised to help, but we are not satisfied with the promise; we will keep writing about the issue until the problem is totally solved,” he continues.

World Vision has been supporting the newspaper initiative since last winter when the students received extensive training in basic journalistic skills. They also participated in a number of classes led by well-known Armenian journalists.

“After participating in the training sessions and only having published the first number of the newspaper, students have notably gained a better journalistic eye; they have become really anxious about the community problems, and they started treating issues in a wiser and analysing manner,” says Zara Aslanyan, a World Vision staff member.

“Journalists have an objective eye, they better see the community needs, but they also need to know how they can effectively make the voice of the community heard,” says Seda Shahmuradyan, 16, one of the young reporters.

The Magnifier is covering the realisation of students’ rights, creation of a safe and clean environment for children, protection of children with special needs, and the creation of leisure opportunities. As the students are predominantly active members of the student councils in their schools, they also actively communicate the needs and achievements of youngsters in school.

Students not only write about the vital issues in their community, but also ask for meetings with community authorities and share their concerns.