Two students from Northwestern University in Qatar have been selected by the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) to participate in a global mental health journalism programme created by former US first lady Rosalynn Carter and co-ordinated by The Carter Centre in Atlanta.
Also taking part in the initiative, titled the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism programme, is a senior Qatar-based journalist.
Joining a cohort of international journalists, the three incoming fellows have committed to investigating specific topics around mental health in Qatar over the next 12 months, with the impact of Covid-19 being the dominant focus. Their participation in the programme kicked off with a virtual three-day meeting earlier this month, during which they presented their plans for the year ahead.
The two students from Northwestern Qatar for the Student Scholarship Programme are Inaara Gangji and Maryam Abujbara and both study journalism and strategic communications majors. Over the course of the year-long training programme, the students will work closely with their professors at Northwestern Qatar, and with mentors in the US and Qatar, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to produce accurate and balanced reports on mental health issues in ways that aim to eliminate stereotypes and stigma.
Mohamed Hadi Karmous, a senior editor at Qatar News Agency with over 19 years of journalism experience, was chosen for the main fellowship programme following consultation with Hamad Medical Corporation. As a fellow, Hadi will have access to the Carter Centre’s resources and top experts in mental health and journalism, as well as networking opportunities.
WISH, Qatar Foundation’s global health initiative, partnered with The Carter Centre to bring the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism programme to Qatar in 2016. The Student Scholarship Programme was established by The Carter Centre and WISH in 2018 as an integral part of the main fellowship.
Nick Bradshaw, director, Partnerships and Outreach at WISH, said: “Our longstanding partnership with The Carter Centre was established with the aim of improving the quality of mental health reporting in Qatar. While it is extremely important to work with professional journalists, we believe it is also important to train students to learn best practices before commencing their professional careers.”
Gangji, a senior at Northwestern Qatar, will consider the role of Qatar’s national mental health helpline in helping the population navigate through this difficult time, and its shortcomings, given the country’s diversity. Abujbara, a junior, who is also taking a minor in Middle Eastern studies, will investigate why discussing mental health in Qatari society and across the Middle East is considered taboo.
Hadi, a Tunisian-born media studies graduate from Qatar University, and a former reporter at Qatar Television, will focus on how Covid-19 and quarantine has impacted the mental health of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children. His area of interest is how the media can contribute, and direct public opinion and families, to pay more attention to the mental health needs of vulnerable groups.
Eve Byrd, director of the Mental Health Programme at The Carter Centre, said: “It’s been gratifying for all of us to see the dedication and enthusiasm coming from the journalism fellows and scholars in Qatar. Their work is helping to break down barriers and build awareness about mental health needs and solutions in Qatar.”
Joining a cohort of international journalists, the three incoming fellows have committed to investigating specific topics around mental health in Qatar over the next 12 months, with the impact of Covid-19 being the dominant focus. Their participation in the programme kicked off with a virtual three-day meeting earlier this month, during which they presented their plans for the year ahead.
The two students from Northwestern Qatar for the Student Scholarship Programme are Inaara Gangji and Maryam Abujbara and both study journalism and strategic communications majors. Over the course of the year-long training programme, the students will work closely with their professors at Northwestern Qatar, and with mentors in the US and Qatar, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to produce accurate and balanced reports on mental health issues in ways that aim to eliminate stereotypes and stigma.
Mohamed Hadi Karmous, a senior editor at Qatar News Agency with over 19 years of journalism experience, was chosen for the main fellowship programme following consultation with Hamad Medical Corporation. As a fellow, Hadi will have access to the Carter Centre’s resources and top experts in mental health and journalism, as well as networking opportunities.
WISH, Qatar Foundation’s global health initiative, partnered with The Carter Centre to bring the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism programme to Qatar in 2016. The Student Scholarship Programme was established by The Carter Centre and WISH in 2018 as an integral part of the main fellowship.
Nick Bradshaw, director, Partnerships and Outreach at WISH, said: “Our longstanding partnership with The Carter Centre was established with the aim of improving the quality of mental health reporting in Qatar. While it is extremely important to work with professional journalists, we believe it is also important to train students to learn best practices before commencing their professional careers.”
Gangji, a senior at Northwestern Qatar, will consider the role of Qatar’s national mental health helpline in helping the population navigate through this difficult time, and its shortcomings, given the country’s diversity. Abujbara, a junior, who is also taking a minor in Middle Eastern studies, will investigate why discussing mental health in Qatari society and across the Middle East is considered taboo.
Hadi, a Tunisian-born media studies graduate from Qatar University, and a former reporter at Qatar Television, will focus on how Covid-19 and quarantine has impacted the mental health of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children. His area of interest is how the media can contribute, and direct public opinion and families, to pay more attention to the mental health needs of vulnerable groups.
Eve Byrd, director of the Mental Health Programme at The Carter Centre, said: “It’s been gratifying for all of us to see the dedication and enthusiasm coming from the journalism fellows and scholars in Qatar. Their work is helping to break down barriers and build awareness about mental health needs and solutions in Qatar.”
from Gulf Times https://ift.tt/3d2khA7
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