When an issue arises, people often take notice but few call attention to it.
Our community reporters continue to break the mould by raising awareness about the problems affecting their communities, like irresponsible motorists, a lack of street lights and footpaths and obstructed sign boards.
They are not afraid to speak up and be heard and demand changes that they feel will help improve society, increase safety and create awareness among residents.
The newspaper recognises that it takes effort and a passion for one's community to identify and raise issues from everyday life and bring about change. Hence, we appreciate the attempts by our readers to help make their communities a better place to live in.
Today we award the reporters who shared their experiences in December and encouraged others to come forward and bring their issues to the forefront.
The community reports published in December were judged by Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed. The criteria for selection included content, issue, impact on community, responsibility and the quality of contribution.
Motorcyclists pushing a thin line
December 29
By: Eslam Doi
Profile:
Eslam Doi is a reader based in Dubai.
Distressed by the reckless behaviour of motorcyclists who continuously flout traffic rules, Doi called on companies who employ them to create awareness about how they can protect themselves through safe driving.
He said: "Community reports are a very good platform to voice issues concerning the welfare of the general public and to draw the attention of the concerned authorities. Unfortunately some of my earlier reports seem to have missed the attention of the concerned authorities and changes are still awaited."
Reason for selection:
Road safety is an aspect that authorities have been constantly striving to improve throughout the UAE. For that reason, Eslam Doi's community report about reckless motorcycle driving was selected as the first place winner.
Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed said: "This has been a nagging problem, one that could cost lives. These motorcyclists, perhaps, should stop to look inward. Is their life precious to them and their families?"
Another December community report submitted by Doi, "Obstructed signs could pose traffic danger" also received special mention from Murshed because it points out potential road dangers, which may have gone unnoticed by drivers.
Shocking violation of safety norms
December 3
By: Anoop Varghese
Profile:
Anoop Varghese is an operations controller based in Sharjah.
Concerned that people working on a building being constructed in his area were not using any safety gear, Varghese wrote to Gulf News to call attention to the issue. He requested that action be taken against building owners who allow people to work without the proper equipment.
He said: "Obviously community reports serve as a really good platform to get the message across to people. After my report was published in Gulf news, I have not seen anybody working without proper safety gear in any of the buildings in the Al Nahda area in Sharjah. I feel proud to be a part of the great mission of Gulf News."
Reason for selection:
Without proper safety measures, construction workers are at high risk in an already dangerous profession. When Anoop Varghese witnessed construction workers on the tenth floor without proper safety equipment, he highlighted the problem. As it is a matter of life and death, Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed selected the community report as a winner. He said: "The picture tells the story."
Public restrooms needed
December 19
By: Qudsiya Seddiqi
Profile:
Qudsiya Seddiqi is a Journalism student at Manipal University in Dubai.
Seddiqi raised awareness about the lack of vital services at the Al Khan Lagoon in Dubai. As the beach is a local hotspot and attracts scores of visitors, she felt that easily maintainable public restrooms and showers should be a top priority. She said: "Community journalism is truly on the rise as through community reports residents can share their opinions and views on issues that need to be paid attention to. "And so far there are no signs of improvements and the lack of public restrooms remains a problem at the Al Khan Lagoon while it continues to be a popular holiday spot on the weekends."
Reason for selection:
Beaches in the UAE are a key location for citizens to enjoy throughout the year, but a lack of facilities can hinder the experience. Qudsiya Seddiqi's winning community report on the lack of public restrooms near the Al Khan Lagoon is effective in highlighting an issue many beach-goers face.
Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed said: "We always raise environmental issues, and this needs sorting out immediately. It will provide relief to beachgoers and protect the environment."
