Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI) held two training courses of “Young Presenter” in Arabic and English for children of Al Jazeera Media Network employees. The trainees were in the age range 12 to 17.
AJMI director Eman al-Amri, in a speech addressing the trainees of the English course offered for the first time, praised their performances and will to develop their interpersonal skills and public speaking. She encouraged them to continue with the same passion and dedication.
Both courses were led by Dr Rania El Jammal who said: "The English version of the course was very popular, as we trained 14 young people who were very interested in developing their media skills”.
“I think the course reinforced and promoted trainees’ self-confidence as I could clearly notice that in their practical exercises and when they are on camera, and the trainees explored the change themselves.
She noted that, the course focused on understanding news content and how it should be delivered in a professional manner in addition to understanding basic TV terms.
El Jammal added: "I was very pleased with the engagement of the 15 trainees in the Arabic version and their interest in the exercises simulating qualities of a successful presenter and vocal exercises, and their keenness to develop their performance in front of the camera and understanding the importance of body language. They also showed great interest in dealing with different elements of the studio such as the autocue and building communication with the work team such as the director, sound engineer and cameramen.”
Naya Jamal Dally, a 11 year-old trainee who joined the English Little Presenter course said: "I never thought I could be so good at talking on camera until I joined the Little Presenter training! Now, I feel excited, not nervous, when I have to speak in front of the camera. I learned cool tricks and my friends and family say I sound like a pro. It's like a superpower I never knew I had. Thank you for showing me how to be confident on camera!"
Asim Bakri, the father of two trainees explained: "The participation of my son Jassier and my daughter Jood in the training course of Little Presenter was full of self-confidence in terms of dealing with new atmosphere, cameras, autocue. It is a totally different experience in its richness, creativity and self- confidence".
