UAE’s first batch of ‘special reporters’ in the making
dubai — Three people of determination Bilal (34), Christopher (27) and Brendyn (19) are gearing up for no ordinary task. They are aspiring to be the first group of journalists representing people of determination in the UAE.
The trio, all former students of Al Noor Training Centre, are being trained to become ‘special correspondents’, which if achieved will be the first in the UAE.
Amit Kakkar, an Indian media professional, trains them once a week and will continue to do so for the next three months with the intention of bringing out UAE’s first batch of ‘special correspondents in print and broadcast media. “They are creative people and all they needed was an outlet for which I am training them,” he said.
Bilal, who has cerebral palsy, cannot talk but has great writing skills. He is even in the process of writing his autobiography. He follows many Bollywood stars online and is keen on being a print media journalist.
Christopher Swaminathan, who has Down’s Syndrome, is currently working in the assistive technology department at Al Noor, and is now targeting broadcast media as he loves talking about technology and reads up a lot on new gadgets.
“Christopher is a genius when it comes to electronics. I am training him to be a special reporter on electronics or telecommunications,” Amit said.
The youngest of the boys is Brendyn, who also has Down Syndrome, but since he is able to articulate and talk well, he wants to meet a lot of celebrities and dignitaries and talk to them about their lives.
Amit is training him for both print and broadcast media as he feels he can work for city supplements or radio where he can meet and interview celebrities.
In a bid to use his professional knowledge to give back to the society, Amit, who has worked in all three major fields — print, broadcast and digital TV media – for over a decade, said: “For me it was all about finding a purpose. For the last one year I was reading about how UAE gives importance to the people of determination.
Talking about how he trains the three, Amit said: “I tell them how information is collected and how to identify authentic news from fake news. I then explained it to them how to disseminate it to the masses, which is the primary role of the media.
“I have prepared them how to engage directly and indirectly with the masses. How to look at the world as a journalist and not as a common person. I am teaching them to sense news and also explains how to structure a story.”
After the training, Amit will also then try getting them jobs in the main media industry.
Lauding the efforts of Kakkar, Isphana Al Khatib, director of Al Noor Training Centre, said: “We believe it is a great opportunity for our students to have someone with the required expertise, offer them relevant training in media studies. Amit is willing to donate time at the weekends and most importantly he has the will and desire to help and make a difference in the lives of the determined ones. He truly and strongly believes that they can and should be appropriately trained.”
I have prepared them how to engage directly and indirectly with the masses. How to look at the world as a journalist and not as a common person.” Amit Kakkar, Indian media professional