Youth Journalism International

Like many others around the world, YJI students have been thinking about the war in Ukraine and the changing U.S. foreign policy that threatens to upend global relations. Two YJI newcomers -- Daria Prymak and Ann Tsyhanok, writing from Kyiv -- told what it's been like since Russian forces invaded their country in 2022. "Imagine waking up in the middle of the night from the sounds of explosions: there is an air raid again. "You don’t know whether your loved ones are safe, you don’t know if everything will be fine tomorrow, you’re not sure if there is any ‘tomorrow’ at all. That’s what has been happening to Ukrainians for the past three years." You can read their story here: https://lnkd.in/e_u6T6MX From Ireland, another newcomer to YJI, Kris Somers, writes a careful overview of the world from Irish eyes in a piece headlined "Uncertain Europe, unhinged U.S. put Ireland at risk." You can read Somers' piece here: https://lnkd.in/eyGGj6Qu Finally, another new student to YJI, Elodie Cockerell from Hertfordshire, England in the United Kingdom, writes about her reaction to what she sees as ugly treatment of Ukraine's president in the Oval Office. "This disregard for the humanitarian suffering in Ukraine – choosing not to focus on people but instead appearances – shows the growing corruption of the U.S. government," Cockerell wrote. You can read her piece here: https://lnkd.in/eUPpC-xn Katherine Phan, another junior reporter for YJI, who lives in Melbourne Australia, wrote that "Trump’s concerningly unprecedented decisions and vast changes in policy are becoming increasingly alarming." You can read her piece here: https://lnkd.in/eChqr8VE As always, YJI students provide a solid glimpse of what the younger generation is seeing, thinking and feeling around the globe. Working with them, we are privileged to get a front row seat to the future.

"If Trump’s order holds – and many states are suing to block it – a person born on U.S. soil would not become a citizen unless one of their parents were.? When I heard the news of the president’s order while sitting at my coffee table, watching the news, the country I felt I belonged to suddenly became a place where I felt alone and isolated. The removal of birthright citizenship changed my view of America. Without the different races and cultures that I loved, it would become soulless. I couldn’t figure out who I would be without being American." Just published: a commentary and illustration collaboration by two newcomers, a writer from Connecticut and an artist from the UK. Read Malaika Brefo's powerful YJI debut here: https://lnkd.in/eTiW8Z74

A birthright American is ... an American. https://lnkd.in/eTiW8Z74

Youth Journalism International's Statement of Values: "Youth Journalism International treats every participant with respect in a safe, non-discriminatory and diverse environment that nurtures lifelong friendships and community while it teaches, without charging participation fees to students, the skills and values that make good journalists and global leaders, including truth, accuracy, fairness and courage."

Deadline for the 16th annual Excellence in Journalism contest is Friday. Don't miss it! Students, teachers and anyone with a young writer or photographer in your life - get going now and get the work entered. Rules, more info and entry forms all at www.yjicontest.org

Deadline for the 16th annual Excellence in Journalism contest is Friday. Don't miss it! Students, teachers and anyone with a young writer or photographer in your life - get going now and get the work entered. Rules, more info and entry forms all at www.yjicontest.org

Entries for YJI's annual journalism contest are due by Feb. 7. You can find the rules and entry form at the link below. Basically, any non-professional work by students 19 & under published in 2024 is eligible. There are many categories. https://lnkd.in/dnvaPjYY

"When Trump won the 2016 election, I was just 7 and didn’t care much about politics. Now, at 16, I’m old enough to understand how the system works and see the bigger picture. I can form my own opinions and – as I follow what’s happening – I’m realizing how much political decisions affect both the country and its people. "It’s been eye-opening to watch events unfold as I gain a better grasp on how everything fits together." https://lnkd.in/eS36q9cU

There is no program in the world that teaches journalism as effectively and cheaply as Youth Journalism International. We've been doing this for 31 years. If you're looking to invest in the future of journalism, we're here, doing what we do, making a difference every day as we focus on journalism education. www.HelpYJI.org

Calling young Africans who are interested in journalism! We're starting an orientation session for new students very soon. There are still a few openings available. Reach out if you want to learn more about writing, reporting and world. The images are of just some of our wonderful African students and alumni. https://lnkd.in/eHFsZXZW