By Bill W. Cooper
The Youth Media Action (YMA) has launched its first edition of the Young Journalist Award, slated for October 30, 2023.
Making the pronouncement Monday, September 18, 2023 at his YMA office in Monrovia, YMA founder and Executive Director, Varmah Kamara, said his decision is as a result of too often, award ceremonies in the Liberian media focus on mainstream journalists, not highlighting the incredible works of young reporters and enterprising journalists.
This, he said, the youth of today are tomorrow’s journalists, leaders and change-makers and as such, they should be recognized, on grounds that the young journalists write the history of our times, empower the oppressed, and challenge society’s status quo.
“So, in this vein, we are launching the first edition of the Young Journalist Award to recognize and celebrate outstanding young talents in the Liberian media, and this Young Journalist Award will identify five young reporters between the ages of 15-25, who have practiced for at least two years and have demonstrated passion for learning, commitment, brilliance, and career potential in mainstream, high schools, or communities,” he said.
According to him, to execute said mandate, YMA has also appointed a Special Award Committee, comprising five credible journalists and media practitioners, along with one representative each from the Press Union of Liberia, their partner, Internews Liberia, and Youth Media Action, to provide supervision and support.
Those appointed to the Young Journalist Award Committee include Daniel Ankrah, Chairperson; Rita Jlogbe Doue – Co-chair; Moses Garzeawu, member; and Zoquay Beysolow Konneh-Member.
Others are Denise Nimpson, member,; Akoi Baysah; Zeowheh Saywrayne-Sumo, Member, representing Internews Liberia; and Varmah Kamara, representing Youth Media Action.
This, Varmah mentioned, that the 2023 award is being organized by Youth Media Action, with support from Internews-Liberia, under the auspices of USAID Liberia Media Activity, disclosing that entries for the award are now open and will close on October 14, 2023, while the event will be held on October 30, 2023, at a well-attended gala.
Meanwhile, Varmah further revealed that the award will accept entries from young journalists who are Liberians, practicing in any of the fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia.
