10 students awarded for investigative journalism skills
dubai — Ten high school students were awarded at the Investigative Journalism Competition held by the American University in Dubai (AUD) during the Arab Media Forum on Tuesday.
The first place winners in the English and Arabic categories of the competition received full scholarships to pursue their media studies at AUD’s Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication, while the other eight winners received cash prizes and vouchers from Paris Gallery.
A total of 70 school students submitted pieces addressing cultural, social, national and local issues. The 10 winners — five English and five Arabic — were selected from 40 students who were shortlisted.
Brexam Magdi Lutfi, Grade 10 student at Pristine Private School, won the first place in the English category for submitting a 700-word piece on phone usage while driving.
Lutfi, 15, gathered facts and figures through talking to drivers about phone-related car accidents, experts and officials from the Dubai Police including Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafein, head of the Federal Traffic Council and Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police for Operational Affairs.
“I have always dreamed of becoming a journalist. Through writing, I can voice people’s opinions to help them solve the problems they’re facing in their daily life,” said Lutfi from Egypt.
She addressed the role of community service in improving drivers’ behaviour in the UAE.
Hayat Mahfouz, Grade 12 student at Dubai International School, won the first place in the Arabic category through addressing the issue of world hunger.
“I addressed reasons behind increased hunger levels in today’s world and why few organisations are putting effort into trying to feed the poor,” said Mahfouz from Lebanon. She noted that she addressed the UAE’s efforts in reducing food waste through the recently-announced UAE Food Bank that aims to make Dubai the region’s first city in achieving zero food waste.
Through her piece, which took her about a month to complete, Mahfouz said she participated in a campaign to feed students at a charity school. “I usually host events and activities in my school and I hope I can pursue a career in TV in the future. After my investigative journalism piece, now I am sure that this is what I want,” said Mahfouz.