Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy-Youth in Media

Empowering Youth in Media One of the projects that the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy has implemented in 2011 The project began in July with brainstorming sessions with the PCPD staff from all districts in the West Bank to put forward ideas and proposals Ideas were then put to a discussion and a plan was sketched Thus decisions were made We started with political awareness sessions in different districts of the West Bank to raise awareness on the importance of using media then we worked together in groups Following the awareness sessions we moved to Ramallah for a central training course in the second part of the project During the practical training participants learned how to use cameras microphones, sound engineering, and rehearsed Participants practiced by speaking in front of the mirror and faced difficulties and challenges in the application of these newly learned skills We were confused while using the ear piece and had troubles speaking to the camera and listening to the trainer through the earpiece at the same time Then we rehearsed in front of the camera and lights in general we were hesitant but had to face our fears because the message of Palestinian youth, children, and even elders relied on our efforts Confusion...crying training and repetition were common, but there were no compromises, we had to continue forward Thus we overcame our challenges and we moved forward We developed our performance by reviewing our recorded trials Afterwards we were highly confident We were ready to fly through the sky of Palestine through local Palestinian TV We discussed and planned and came up with goals, axes, and scenarios Then we set off We could not believe the reactions of the viewers who saw the future of our people in our eyes With high confidence, we now set our goals higher We now rehearsed to be broadcast worldwide on the Palestinian Satelite station We have prepared a kit We worked together as a team and set off in the name of Palestine On the 29th of November 2011 on the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people We sent a message to our people in the homeland and in the diaspora proving that Palestinian youth are not only knowledgeable but also are able to send a message to their fellow citizens and political leaders Everything is possible was our message The youth are the present and future for the Palestinian state