Finding the best nose for news

Being a famous reporter or a renowned photographer, entering the media world and becoming a young star in the information universe is a tantalising idea to many youngsters following the Techno Surprises week's programme.

"The Promising Journalist Competition" is open to boys and girls aged between 12 and 18 who want to try their hand at a camera or at writing a report or an interview.

Competitors can take part in three different categories for the best photographer, the best reporter and the best interviewer and will be awarded with money prizes: Dh1,000, Dh750 and Dh500 for the first three winners of each category, plus other gifts and prizes for the other participants.

Competitors can participate in more than one category and with more than one work, but they have to cover eventual expenses related to material or cameras.

The last day for applying is Monday and children have to forward at least three copied of their works to the Creativity Village at BurJuman Centre.

"We offer the children a chance of learning new things related to the communication field while amusing themselves," said Major Mohammed Ahmed bin Dylan, Head of the Techno Surprises Committee, when introducing the activity.

The goal of the Junior Reporter Competition is that one of supporting skilled and creative children offering them a chance to discover their skills, enjoy their time in something interesting and creative.

The competition is a valuable experience for children to express their talents and familiarise with news writing and shooting.

Khalid Salem, a 16-years-old national, is eager to take part in the competition as a photographer.

"I like photos. Since I was a kid I liked taking pictures and I use to take my father's camera. I had my own camera when I was only 10 and I started taking awful pictures cutting the head of the people or sometimes half their bodies.

"The results were very strange, today I would say terrible, but at that time I didn't mind, to me they were amazing. I liked even only the idea of pushing that button on the top of the camera, giving me a sensation of doing something magic.

Throughout the time I became always more clever at it and today I think to be a good photographer."

Khalid said he is going to roam the shopping malls where the major events are taking place and shoot whatever he finds interesting or attractive.

"I will choose the best picture and take part in the competition. I do not mind to win, but I hope to do something satisfying to me."

Participants are supposed to take shots of the events included in the Techno Surprises Programme or write some reports or interviews to competitors and public attending the events.

Sonia Nair, 14-year-old, dreams to become a famous TV journalist. "This is a reporting competition and has nothing to do with TV, but it is a good exercise and I think that you have to know how to write a report even if you work in a TV."

Wise Sonia is determined to write something comprehensive on the children participation to the activity and is thinking about a second story focusing on an interview to one of the participants.

"I will take a few days just to go around with my mum and find my stories, this is the most important task. I have not written anything yet, but I have lots of ideas in my mind. I really hope to win."