Gulf News selected the most important and relevant Community Reports of our readers published in May.
If it matters to you, then it probably matters to someone else, too.
Gulf News acknowledges its citizen reporters, who took a stand and raised their voice on issues they felt were important, relevant and required immediate attention. Today, we award those who shared their experiences and brought significant matters to the fore during May.
Over the past few months, the Your Turn page's Community Report section has focused on myriad issues ranging from children's safety to fundraising events in the neighbourhood.
Readers have found it to be the right platform to create awareness and turn the spotlight on situations that generate interest and truly affect their lives.
The community reports published in May were judged by an independent panel of senior Gulf News journalists including Associate Editor Najla Al Rostamani and UAE Editor Meher Murshed.
The criteria for selection included content, issue, impact on community, responsibility and the quality of contribution.
And the winners are:
1. A road trip off the beaten path, published May 28
By Nasim Yazdani
Reason for selection: A true multimedia experience, the community report was chosen for its comprehensiveness and for the proactive attitude of the citizen journalist.
A chance encounter with two young German travellers gave the reader an opportunity to present their story with an adventurous and optimistic twist. UAE Editor Meher Murshed commended the "reporter's nose for news" and added: "The reader spotted a good story and pursued it& a feel-good story about the human spirit. It couldn't be more apt in these times."
Profile: Nasim Yazdani, an Emirati entrepreneur, is a resident of Dubai. Citizen reporting serves as a unique platform to express concerns, according to Nasim. She said: "As members of society, we could share interesting aspects of our lives that may have otherwise gone unnoticed and unacknowledged."
When she met Dario Schröder and Cornelius Hörner, Nasim said she thought she could help the world see Dubai in a positive light, especially since the international media had recently taken to "Dubai-bashing".
"Dubai is a place where people from all over the world meet and exchange a plethora of ideas, experiences and values. It is for this reason that Dubai's role is increasingly crucial on a global scale." She encouraged optimism and positivity in community reporting.
2. Sharp stones spoil the fun at Corniche, published May 22
By Mohammad Aquib Hassan
Reason for selection: The judges concurred with the reader and felt that sharp, pointed stones and debris on the beach were a safety hazard for beachgoers.
A strong photograph of a resulting injury on his seven-year-old daughter's foot also helped reinforce the citizen reporter's point.
UAE Editor Meher Murshed said: "The reader has highlighted negligence& [with] a good picture to show what damage it can cause. Urgent action is needed."
Profile: Mohammad Aquib Hassan has been a resident of Abu Dhabi for 12 years. A Pakistani expatriate, he is a sales manager in an IT company.
Citizen reporting serves a valuable purpose, according to Hassan. He said: "Anything that is wrong or bad should be communicated to all, so that other people are not affected."
"Each one of us must learn to act or work not just for oneself, one's family or nation; but for the benefit of all mankind. Only then could greatness and satisfaction be achieved."
3. Fast and furious in Sharjah city, published May 27
By Fatima Jaffer Sagarwala
Reason for selection: Disturbing the peace, especially during the middle of the night, is an issue that affects residential areas.
Our judges commended the citizen reporter's initiative in photographing a regular source of irritation in her neighbourhood.
Associate Editor Najla Al Rostamani said: "The reader has raised a problem that needs to be addressed by the concerned authorities. It can be a nuisance, especially for families and people who have to wake up early for work or school."
Profile: Fatima Jaffer Sagarwala is a resident of Sharjah. She is a homemaker and an active member of the Sharjah Ladies Fun Group.
Commenting on the noise pollution created by one specific motorcyclist in her neighbourhood, Sagarwala said: "I have been losing sleep because of this person for a very long time now.
Perhaps because we have all been so tolerant, he is trying our patience with more noise!" She decided to write in to Gulf News in an attempt to bring a much-needed change in the situation.
Optimistic about citizen reporting and eager to write about important community issues in the future, Sagarwala said: "I will definitely act as [Gulf News's] right hand! I will keep my eyes open and camera ready."
