In the frame of the contest “We have the same rights. We want equal opportunities!”, organized by the Keystone Moldova, four graduates of the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism were awarded. The Grand Prix was awarded to Liliana Zaharia, reporter of the Association of Independent Press (AIP). The First Prize was shared between Tamara Grejdeanu, reporter of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) (in the radio category) and Polina Cupcea, reporter of Ziarul Naţional (in the print press, online and blogging category). Third Prize in the print press, online and blogging category went to Tatiana Scutaru, reporter of Ziarul Naţional. This contest is intended for the journalists interested in covering human rights protection issues in Moldova. It aims to encourage journalists to write about the situation of disabled persons.

Tamara Grejdeanu (RFE/RL) said: “Ever since I was a student at the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism, during the Social Journalism course, when I prepared a story about a poorly sighted young woman, I thought that journalists should give voice to those unheard. This is what I tried to accomplish with my story about people with special needs, who are still in the search of access ramps, rights to education and employment. Often, disabled people are afraid to talk about their needs, this is the moment when journalists should intervene and write not only about the ignored rights, but also emphasize the message that we all have the same rights”.

Other two CSAJ graduates were awarded by the Association of Independent Press. Olga Bulat from Ziarul de Gardă was marked as the best reporter for her stories about the ways of providing social assistance to old people, for writing about the abandoned houses in the Moldovan villages and also about elderly abandoned by the medical system. The winner in the category “The Newspaper with the Best Layout” was Ziarul de Gardă, its layout is made by Nicolae Cuşchevici, the CSAJ graduate.

In this context, AIP director and CSAJ trainer, Petru Macovei appreciated the contribution of the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism in training professionals. “The fact that the CSAJ graduates are among the winners of the most important contests in Moldova highlights one more time the brand of this school, whereas its existence provides a chance for recovery of national journalism. I am happy that the hours you sent in class and in the field were not in vain, I congratulate you with this accomplishment”, said Petru Macovei. As well, AIP executive director emphasized the NGO’s contribution in raising public awareness on various social issues. “They understand the importance of the messages sent by media and periodically confirm the value of their work and encourage it. The appreciation exposed, in the first place, by our colleagues confirms the importance of our work”.

The Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism is a project of the Independent Journalism Center in Chisinau, launched in cooperation with the Missouri School of Journalism, USA, The Center of Professional Training of Journalists in Paris, France and Press Now organization, The Netherlands.

photo source(s): Keystone Moldova, AIP (Constantin Grigoriţă)