Youth Journalism International

From Tahrir To The World, YJI Is On It

2012-01-25T10:52:00.002-05:00

Young people celebrating Mubarak's resignation last winter.

Here are the stories YJI reporters have done since the start of the Egyptian revolution and the Arab Spring:

News Analysis: Tens Of Thousands Of Egyptians Protest For Human Rights (By Jessica Elsayed on Jan. 25, 2011)

Inside The Egyptian Revolution (By Jessica Elsayed on Jan. 29, 2011)

Egyptians Pin Hopes On ElBaradei (By Jessica Elsayed on Jan. 30, 2011)

Egyptian Protestors Stand Firm (By Jessica Elsayed on Jan. 30, 2011)

Background Briefing (Interview of Jessica Elsayd by Pacifica Radio's Ian Masters on Jan. 30, 2011)

Marching In Egypt: A Firsthand Account (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 1, 2011)

Reflections On A Day Of Peaceful Protest (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 1, 2011)
Egyptian Rutgers Student Has High Hopes For Her Homeland's Future (By Gokce Yurekli on Feb. 2, 2011)
Mubarak's Thugs Turn On Protesters (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 3, 2011)

Larson Calls On Egyptian Youth To 'Stay The Course' (By Celeste Kurz on Feb. 5, 2011)
Amsterdam Joins Anti-Mubarak Protests (By Caroline Nelissen on Feb. 7, 2011)

Two Weeks Into The Revolution (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 7, 2011)
Google Exec Inspires Egyptian Protests (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 8, 2011)

Photos From Alexandria, Egypt Protest (By Farah Nemr on Feb. 9, 2011)

More Photos From Egyptian Protest In Alexandria (By Miran Elleithy on Feb. 9, 2011)

Egyptians Won't Give Up On Freedom (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 11, 2011)

Egyptians Celebrate Mubarak's Resignation (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 11, 2011)

'Egypt Got Its Soul Back Today' (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 11, 2011)

'A New Epoch of Hope' In Egypt (By Lama Tawakkol on Feb. 23, 2011)
Egyptian Youth Reclaim Their Streets (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 24, 2011)

Libya Is The Latest To Catch Fire (By Jessica Elsayed on Feb. 24, 2011)

Qaddafi's Threats Won't Deter A People Yearning For Freedom (By Mehran Shamit on Feb. 25, 2011)
As Mubarak's Ministers Face Trial, A New Egypt Blooms (By Lama Tawakkol on Feb. 26, 2011)

Cairo's Christians And Muslims Unite (By Lama Tawakkol on March 1, 2011)

Egyptian Youth Rally Behind New Prime Minister (By Jessica Elsayed on March 5, 2011)

Schools Reopen in Cairo (By Lama Tawakkol on March 5, 2011)

Mixed Feelings On Opening Schools In Egypt (By Lama Tawakkol on March 6, 2011)

Egyptian Youth Need To Be Ready To Lead (By Ghada Abelhady on March 16, 2011)

Egyptians Head To The Polls (By Ghada Abelhady on March 19, 2011)

From Revolt To The Ballot Box in Egypt (By Jessica Elsayed on March 19, 2011)
Reporter's Notebook: Emotional Intensity At The Egyptian Science Fair (By Ghada Abelhady on April 13, 2011)
Students Show Creativity And Brainpower at Egypt's National Science Fair (By Ghada Abelhady on April 13, 2011)
Egypt Cheers As Mubarak Faces Trial (By Ghada Abelhady on April 14, 2011)
Video Commentary By Jessica Elsayed: Burka Ban (By Jessica Elsayed on April 15, 2011)
Osama Bin Laden Got What He Deserves, But What Comes Next? (Jala Ayman on May 2, 2011)
Skepticism And Hope In The Middle East (By Lama Tawakkol on May 20, 2011)
Obama's Mid-East Speech Disappoints (By Jessica Elsayed on May 23, 2011)
These Times Have Shaped Me (By Lama Tawakkol on May 24, 2011)
Egypt: Six Months After The Revolution (By Lama Tawakkol on July 29, 2011)
At The Sit-In, Alexandria, Egypt (By Yasser Alaa on August 2, 2011)
Protesting In Alexandria, Egypt (By Yasser Alaa on August 3, 2011)
Egyptians: Correct The Path (By Yasser Alaa on September 10, 2011
Demonstrators: Loosen Military Grip on Egypt (By Yasser Alaa on October 2, 2011)
Protesters Fill The Streets In Alexandria, Egypt (By Yasser Alaa on November 21, 2011)
Alexandria, Egypt: A View Into The Tear Gas (By Yasser Alaa on November 21, 2011)
The Journey Back to Cairo's Tahrir Square (By Lama Tawakkol on November 22, 2011)
A YJI Student Injured In Egyptian Protests (November 22, 2011)
Egyptian Revolution, Take Two (By Jessica Elsayed on November 22, 2011)
Tear Gas And Tents At Alexandria Protests (By Yasser Alaa on November 23, 2011)
Egypt's Door To The Unknown (By Yasser Alaa on December 21, 2011)
Egypt Today: Violence, Confusion, Rumors (By Lama Tawakkol on December 23, 2011)
Egyptian Protests Continue (By Yasser Alaa on December 25, 2011)
The Girl In The Blue Bra Could Have Been Me (By Jessica Elsayed on December 28, 2011)
Egypt's Revolution Isn't Over (By Lama Tawakkol on January 9, 2012)
Proudly Tunisian And Part Of The Revolution (By Ameni Mathlouthi on January 15, 2012)

All of these pieces were done by student reporters, most of them in Egypt. You can help us continue this extraordinary coverage by donating to Youth Journalism International, which offers its training to students for free. Please click on the Causecast link to the right or go to the Donate page on www.YouthJournalism.org.

"Dragon Tattoo" Film Is Decidedly European

2012-01-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

ByCaroline Nelissen

SeniorReporter

YouthJournalism International

AMSTERDAM,The Netherlands – Based on the first book of the best-selling Millenium trilogyby Stieg Larsson – and following a succesful Swedish movie adaptation – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, directed by David Fincher, had a lot tolive up to.

AsI have never read any of the books – and only watched a few snippets of the2009 movie adaptation – I was not at all sure what to expect, but I wasn’tdisappointed.

Themovie follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist who is asked by a retiredexecutive to investigate the involvement of several members of the Vangerfamily in the disappearance of his niece in the 1960s.

Heis assisted by the unconventional Lisbeth Salander, a skillful young hacker whohas been ruled legally incompetent and rides a kick-ass motorcycle.

Iwas surprised at how well Fincher managed to give his movie a somewhat Swedish feel,even though it is an American adaptation.

Inmy opinion this is a good thing, as I think no setting lends itself better forthis kind of grim story than a desolate and wintery Swedish island. Moreover, the Europeanatmosphere of the movie is definitely aided by the very sparse use of Americanaccents and the pace at which the plot moves along.

Ittook quite a bit of time for the story to finally grab me, as the beginning is prettyslow – except from a few rather graphic scenes involving Lisbeth and her newlegal guardian. However, from the moment Blomkvist and Salander finally pair up,it’s pretty captivating. Still, I must admit that I had expected a bit moreoriginality in terms of plot considering the hype surrounding the book andother movie adaptation.

Ihave been told by some fans to turn to the books to see the story unfold in itsamazing completeness – and I definitely intend to do so.

Theacting in the movie is great and Daniel Craig delivers a solid performance asthe slightly gloomy Blomkvist.

RooneyMara, who played was nominated for anAcademy Award in the category “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for her role inThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo– and rightly so.

Withher portrayal of the tough yet vulnerable Lisbeth, she manages evoke a great deal of empathy for thecharacter, who at one moment can seem disturbed almost to the point of unlikeability,while other times, her unadjusted behavior earned some brief chuckles from theaudience – a rare occurrence during this otherwise heavy movie.

YJI Reporters Welcome Tunisian Newcomer

2012-01-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

YJI photo

At Youth Journalism International's Connecticut headquarters, we like to have a little fun when we're not churning out the news. On Saturday, we had a little get-together to welcome our new student from Tunisia, 17-year-old Ameni Mathlouthi. She is attending high school in Connecticut this year as an exchange student and has already written a piece for Youth Journalism International about her role in the Tunisian revolution a year ago. Students who took part in this rough assignment, which involved consuming chocolate cake, pizza, clementines, chips and cider, are shown in the photo above. From left: Gabi Smith-Rosario, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Mary Majerus-Collins, Erez Bittan, Ameni Mathlouthi and in front, Yelena Samofalova. All are students at Hall High School in West Hartford.
Jessica Elsayed, a YJI reporter from Alexandria, Egypt, who is now studying at Denison University, took part in the party via Skype, talking with everyone. In the photo below, Ameni talks with Jessica.

YJI photo

Tucson With Giffords 'Every Step of Way'

2012-01-22T17:15:00.000-05:00

By Mariah Pulver

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

TUCSON, Arizona,U.S.A. -- Devastating. Heart wrenching. Life changing. These are all words todescribe the fateful day of January 8, 2011. It may not mean anything to you,but to Gabrielle Giffords and everyone in Tucson, Arizona, it does.

Giffords, a veterancongresswoman, calls it “that horrible day."

And the aftereffectsof that day – when a gunman killed six people and nearly murdered Giffords --just keep coming. Today, Giffords announced that she is resigning from herposition in Congress to continue recovering.

As a sympatheticadmirer of Giffords, I understand and fully support her decision. But as avoter, I am sad. She has done great things for Arizona and it is apparent thatshe loves representing the people of Tucson.

Gabrielle Giffords

Giffords hasconsistently been receptive to the needs of the people. Instead of shying awayfrom the tough problems, she tackled them head on. That can be shown by thefact that she fearlessly fights for her beliefs about border security, energyindependence, military families and veterans, and small businesses.

To know that someoneis going to have to take her position is upsetting. That person willundoubtedly be highly qualified and a great person. But he or she will be noGabby, as Tucsonans affectionately refer to her.

Although I will feelguilty when I cannot put down her name on my ballot, I understand her desire.Underneath it all, Giffords is just a normal human being who needs time toheal, to remember, and to spend time with her family.

Giffords has alreadymade progress, which is unexpected, but miraculous. If you go to her websiteand watch her video announcing her resignation, I promise you will be amazed.She is speaking very clearly and is better able to express her thoughts. You couldalso see her progress on January 2, when she led the Pledge of Allegiance at amemorial vigil.

Progress is wonderful,but she still has more work to do. She doesn’t need people pushing her to takeback her position in the House of Representatives when she is clearly notready. Nobody should expect her to be ready for that.

Instead, we should allsend her our thoughts. We should let her know just how much she means to us.

And most importantly,we should tell her that we are all there for her, every step of the way.

To download the congresswoman’s video, go to:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1348265592/9a48fd825fabeb358ef5767e71145d6c

There are three versions available, including a 300MB high-resolution version for television use.

As Gingrich Rolls, YJI Is On The Story

2012-01-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Though Youth Journalism International obviously can't send reporters trailing around with the presidential candidates, it is doing what it can to cover the U.S. presidential race. In this picture, for example, YJI Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins, left, is right there with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich during a recent campaign stop in Iowa. We'll be doing what we can to stay on the story as the Republicans pick a candidate and America decides whether to give Barack Obama another term as president. Keep an eye on our students' work!

"War Horse" Charms Buckingham Palace

2012-01-17T11:09:00.001-05:00

Pool photograph

The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge at the
London

premiere of War Horse last week.

By Noah Kidron-Style

Reporter

Youth Journalism International

LONDON, England – Last week’s WarHorse premiere saw Price William and Kate Middleton welcome the film toLondon in aid of the Prince’s Foundation.

Stars such as Steven Spielberg, Jeremy Irvine, Michael Morpugo and of courseJoey the horse converged on Leicester Square for an unusually prestigiousevent, with the reception held at Buckingham Palace.

For all the supposed glitz and glamour of show business, the majority of film premieres today are slightly underwhelming affairs.

After a period of multi-million-dollar parties in the 1980s, studios cameto the realization that all they really needed was a picture of their biggeststars smiling on the red carpet.

The premiere itself turned into a slightly awkward ritual where everyoneinvolved sits together in a room unable to discuss the film in any more depththan sycophantic self-congratulation for fear of insulting their collectivecreative achievements.

However when the War Horserolled into London it bucked the trend, as any occasion hosted by the Duke andDuchess of Cambridge – the future king and queen of England – cannot help butbecome quite an event.

I attended as a last minute stand-in for my stepfather Lee Hall, whoco-wrote the film, as he was unfortunately detained in New York. I couldn’thelp feeling that his loss was my gain – especially when meeting Spielberg, thelegendary film director.

The guests were invited into a pre-film drinks reception while the starsmade their way down the red carpet.

Pool photograph

Director Steven Spielberg, Joey the horse and actor Jeremy

Irvine at the
London premiere of War Horse last week.

Here the canapés and champagne contrasted with the first screening I hadseen of War Horse held at Disney’scorporate office, at which it was amusing to watch high-powered film producersand stars forced to drink out of Hannah Montana mugs.

Once the royal couple arrived, they were formally introduced to the castand crew, who had received extensive instruction on how to greet the Duke andDuchess – such as to pronounce “mam” so that it rhymed with “jam,” beforetaking their seats for the film to begin.

Pool photograph

The Dutchess of Cambridge

The admittedly partisan crowd gave the film a rapturous ovation, andKate Middleton was one of many to cry during the emotional tale of a boytracking down his horse on the western front of WWI. That is despite the futurequeen admitting to not being the greatest horse lover due to a longstanding allergy.

The attendance of royalty made it perhaps the first time that everyoneat a film premier bothered to stay seated throughout the entire credits, cheeringas each actor’s name appeared on screen – a nice touch of respect, if one thatshould happen regardless of the royal presence.

Later at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, the cast and guestsassembled for speeches by Prince William and Spielberg.

In a grand room decorated by large and rather impressive photographs ofthe making of War Horse, the esteemedhosts spoke of the significance of the armed forces, of whom more than 600 hadattended the premiere in full regalia.

Guests who were chosen to have a meet and greet with the royals were allocateda table at which to wait, while the Duke and Duchess toured the room with the efficiencyof a handshaking assembly line.

As the Dutchess, who appears somewhat taller in real life, drew closer ateam of servers swarmed around to clear away any debris of any offending foodor drink.

She was charming and polite to all comers, and slightly embarrassed atthe haste with which she had to move on. Plus most importantly, I remembered torhyme “mam” with “jam.”

The War Horse premiere was athrowback to a glamorous era and in this sense mirrored the film itself.

Bold, spectacular, old fashioned and faintly ridiculous, you just had tosuspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride.

A Swedish Thriller Is Gripping And Beautiful

2012-01-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

ByGokce Yurekli

Reporter

YouthJournalism International

NEWARK,New Jersey, U.S.A. -- The story of TheGirl With the Dragon Tattoo has captivated audiences twice already withStieg Larsson’s Millennium novels and their Swedish film adaptations.

TheSwedish film by director Niels Arden Oplev opened to critical acclaim frominternational as well as American critics. So it came as a surprise thatdespite the success of the series, David Fincher decided to create his ownadaptation.

Personally,I had very high expectations for this film given Fincher’s other amazing moviessuch as The Social Network and Fight Club.

Nowthat The Girl with the Dragon Tattoois available in theaters, it is safe to say that it is a beautifully shot andgripping film with terrific performances from every actor and actress involved.

DanielCraig plays Mikhail Blomkvist, the investigative journalist in Sweden called infrom a remote island by a mysterious industrialist, Henrik Vanger (ChristopherPlummer), to solve the decades-old mystery of his missing niece. Blomkvist isaided by an assistant, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a sly hacker withpiercings, tattoos and a terrible haircut.

Thereis more to the plot than that — so much that two long trailers were created tofamiliarize audiences who haven’t read the book or seen the Swedish film.

Yetone of the drawbacks of the film is that it is difficult to follow the progressof the investigation. It is a film that demands your full attention and it’salmost two and a half hours long.

Sopick a comfortable seat.

Themost unique character in the film is Lisbeth. She’s an angry, violent, isolatedcomputer hacker. You are drawn to her character from the beginning and you missher terribly in the scenes she’s not in.

Herperformance could be enough to nab Mara an Oscar nomination.

Finally,the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. It’s eerie, dark, and haunting.Snow, ice, and black trees create this suitable chilly backdrop for thisterrifying mystery.

Hollywood,beset by escalating marketing costs, is retreating into sequels, remakes orfilms based on bestselling novels.

Eventhough this film is based on a novel, it still manages to be creative andoriginal in its execution. Other than a disappointing ending (which I won’tgive away), the movie is definitely worth watching. I highly recommend it.

Onelast thing: the film is notage-appropriate for any but the most mature viewers. Some scenes are definitelynot suitable for the younger audience. Parents beware!

YJI Reporter Talks About Tunisian Revolt

2012-01-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

Here is Ameni Mathlouthi's written account of her experiences in the Tunisian Revolution.

Proudly Tunisian And Part Of The Revolution

2012-01-13T16:04:00.001-05:00

ByAmeni Mathlouthi

JuniorReporter

Youth Journalism International

Iwasn’t supposed to be in the crowd of protesters on the streets of Tunis lastyear, but my desire to be part of my country’s historic revolution pulled methere anyway.

Tunisianswho rose up against former president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, scared him intoleaving the country on January 14, 2011, and it wasn’t long afterward that Ibegan to join their protests.

Concernedfor my safety, my mother and my uncle told me not to go to the demonstrations,but I couldn’t resist. Just a little detour from my usual walk to the bus afterschool took me right to the center of the action on a busy street near thecapital’s central train station.

Istarted going to the protests in February as a student in Tunis. At the demonstrations, I saw policeofficers, their faces covered with black cloth, pounding protesters with nail-studdedclubs, and arresting anyone they could reach. Tear gas hung in the air. Itmakes it hard to open your eyes or breathe. It burns and water only makes itworse.

Youfeel like you are about to die, but it doesn’t kill.

Thepolice didn’t appear to care about who was suffering. The crowds were made upof people of all ages and included workers heading home, travelers, studentsand the unemployed. Not everyone was there to protest. Some were just passing through.

Mostof the protesters seemed to be there to honor a friend who had been killed,sometimes writing the names of the martyrs on the walls of buildings.

Ihad heard from friends that the news coverage of the protests wasn’t anaccurate portrayal of reality, and I wanted to see for myself what washappening.

Ilearned that being out in the streets, being part of the event, is not as scaryas staying home. I felt safer in thecrowd than I did in my house.

Outside,I could see what was going on and I could run in any direction. Because I am agirl and was wearing a student backpack, I felt the police would not bother me,and they didn’t.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Crowds run from the clouds of tear gas

during an aggressive move by police

Athome, I heard shooting and people running outside. Live television coverage ofintruders made me afraid someone would break in and hurt us.

Andbeing in the middle of the demonstrations made me part of them. I felt it and livedit.

InMarch, I witnessed something even worse.

Iwas going home from the American cultural center where I was studying English,but couldn’t take the metro, the Tunis subway train. It was closed because ofthe protests.

Ihad to walk to the station, then take the bus from there. It was cold, windyday. I could see the crowd around the station and everybody coming out.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

The Tunisian Army didn't get involved

Iwas pretty much the only one going toward the station. I was bundled in mywinter clothes and could barely hear people saying to me, “Are you crazy? Don’tgo there.”

Ijust kept on going, because until I met a helpful soldier from the Tunisian Army,I didn’t know what was going on inside the train station.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Outside of the main Metro connection

Hestarted his duties at 10 p.m. but he was on the street early, around 7 p.m.,because of the transportation problem. At first, I didn’t stop walking tolisten to him. I was walking faster and faster, and he wasn’t in uniform, but whenhe showed me his ID, I stopped.

Thesoldier told me that protests were going on at the station and tried toconvince me not to go there. I knew he was trying to be kind, but I wanted tosee it for myself, and I thought the trains might start again.

Sohe walked me to the station and there I saw people getting attacked by thepolice with tear gas. I saw officers throw small cans into the undergroundstation and into the trains themselves – closed areas – to force the people outof there.

Itwas dark and loud, but overhead, I saw a bright light and I could hear shooting.It was from police up above in helicopters. I got into the train where Icouldn’t see anything or breathe because of the gas, so I had to run out ofthere, the army guy still following me.

Weran into a gathering of protesters a few minutes away. On the way, I saw young boys,perhaps about 11 years old, throwing rocks towards the police, who were faraway. It was cold, and they were wearing just tee shirts. But I don’t thinkthey noticed because they were red with sweat.

Istopped and asked them why they were throwing rocks. They said that Tunisia wastheir country, and that they had the right to be out there, that they wanted tolive their history and get rid of the old government.

Withno way to get home, I used the soldier’s phone to call my uncle and asked him topick me up. After about an hour, he called back to say he couldn’t get closer becauseof the police roadblocks in the area. So he had to park a bit far and walk toget me from there.

Photo provided

Aymen Abderrahmen in a crowd of

protesters early in the Tunisian revolution

Thatnight, three people died from getting shot, the government said, but I don’tremember how many were injured.

Ijoined the protests again in May. That time, I went with my American dramateacher, Shannon Zimmerman, and a group of Tunisian friends, Aymen Abderrahmen,Mourad Brahmi, and Ynez Hedy.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Protests started in mid-morning in front of the National Theater

Together,we were taking part in a play about the revolution. After rehearsal, we wentdowntown to the protest that was already going on near the national trainstation, which links Tunis to cities outside the capital region.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Tear gas at the train station

Becauseof the vast amount of teargas outside, we went inside the station and lookedfor places to hide. We even tried the bathroom, but there were so many people,it was impossible.

When the police finally entered thestation, about 40 of us fled into a waiting room overlooking the platforms towatch what happened. We saw all young men were rounded up with kicks and clubsand taken away by police.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Police enter the train station

One policeman noticed us and he orderedus to sit down as the police moved through and dragged out anyone who lookedthe least bit suspicious.

The police beat anyone who protested hisinnocence.

Shannon Zimmerman / youthjournalism.org

Police at the train station

One of those taken away could not havebeen more than 12 years old. He was with his mother.

Another brave woman took a risk and claimeda young man was her own son – he wasn’t – to spare him from what she feared thepolice would do. Luckily, after brief questioning, they let him go with her.

Overall we were trapped in the trainstation for almost three hours. I’ll never forget the cries of the children in thestation or the fear and insecurity that people felt.

Why did all this happen?

After 23years of corruption, 23 years of stolen rights and 23 years of restriction, peoplehad had enough from the government.

Theyhad been waiting for change for long time. Somebody had to take the initiative,to take the first step to bring a better future.

Someoneneeded to bring light to Tunisia and spring to the Arab world.

TheArab Spring, the Jasmine Revolution – it all started with 26-year-old fruit andvegetable vendor Mohamed Bouazizi.

Bouaziziwas from Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, a city located in the central part of thecountry. On December 17, 2010, he set himself on fire after a policewoman slappedhim and ordered him to pack up his street cart. He didn’t have a license, but itwas the only way for him to support his family.

Hewas not complaining about having to resort to selling fruit to support hisfamily. But he could not handle this insult to his dignity. He died January 4,2011 in the hospital, 18 days after his self-immolation.

U.S. State Department

WithBouazizi still in the hospital, demonstrationsbegan breaking out in response. On December 24, 2010, people took to thestreets in Sidi Bouzid, and in the following days, protests spread to the Menzel Bouzaiene part of Gafsa,the Ben Gardane part of Medinine, Al-Qayrawan, Sfax and Sousse, all the way from the center of the country to Tunis in thenorth.

Althoughthe police were firing on protesters, and the president warned that he wouldpunish those who use violence, the people did not back off. More than 1,000people took to the streets and many protesters were organized on Facebook andTwitter.

ByJanuary 14, 2011, about 76 people had died in the protests, though the government’sestimate was only 23. That day, the government declared a state of emergency andBen Ali promised to dissolve theparliament and hold legislative elections within six months.

Butby that evening, was on a plane to France. France turned him away, so he wentto Saudi Arabia, where he remains.

Presidentialresponsibilities were passed to the speaker of the parliament, Fouad Mebazaa.

Thedemonstrations that started out of respect for Bouazizi and for universal humandignity rapidly turned to general protests against the government.

Peoplecalled for wholesale change. They demanded democracy, freedom of speech andreligion, job opportunities and social equality.

Somany websites, including YouTube, were blocked in Tunisia. Facebook and Hotmailwere monitored.

Nobodydared to say anything about the president or his party or even talk about it onthe phone, because all the lines were monitored and people got arrested for talkingabout him.

Thegovernment-controlled news media was working in favor of the government’sinterests regardless of the facts. In some cases, the media hid the facts,downplaying Bouazizi’s death, and trying to make people believe that there werefewer needy people than there really were, and promoting the view that the governmentwas doing its best to make life better for people.

Inschool, social studies books show only pictures of the president visitinghospitals, giving donations or shaking hands with the poor. There are picturesof the new train station or a new machine at the hospital to show students how muchhe was doing to improve the country.

Westudents were never were allowed to discuss our politics in class becauseteachers were afraid of being fired.

Eventhough Tunisia’s official religion is Islam and that is stated in the country’sconstitution, the government closed the mosques, opening them only for about 15to 20 minutes, five times a day when they are supposed to be open all the time.

Inaddition, names of people who prayed the required five prayers in the mosque werelisted and reported to the government and they were sent to jail.

Evenas a middle school student in 2009, I witnessed religious persecution at myschool, Ibn Sina.

Iwas sitting in math class taking a test when the headmaster of the school camein and dragged one of the students out of class by her head scarf, just becauseshe was practicing Islam by wearing the hijab.

Everygirl in school who covered her hair had to remove it and sign a paper sayingthat she would not wear a scarf the following day. That didn’t happen just atmy school, but at many.

Administratorsalways stood by the front door of the school, especially on exam week, pickingthe girls who covered their hair. They then forced them to take the scarf off themselvesor have it removed with no respect and in front of everybody in school.

TheIslamic outfit was considered inappropriate dress during Ben Ali’s day. Womenwere not able to be in public wearing religious clothing or they would bepulled into police stations and forced to take the hair cover off.

Sometimespolicemen would uncover a woman’s head on the street, and take their nationalID card from them.

Religiouspeople who had enough money to leave, did.

Menwho stayed in the country and continued to practice their religion openly spentmore time in jail, enduring torture, than out of it. Plus, they had to shavetheir beard.

Tunisiais a Muslim country, but the government was intent on building a secular nation.It always encouraged people to move away from religion.

YJI photo

Youth Journalism International's
Ameni Mathlouthi in Tunisia

Butpeople in Tunisia believed that it could be a better country, and because ofthat, they protested.

Andwhen police were killing demonstrators, even more turned out.

They did notthink about getting shot or hurt.

They thought about making life better for thecountry and easier for them.

Demonstrationscontinued until July, when preparations began for the national elections held October23, with official results announced November 14.

NowTunisia’s newly elected leaders are working on the county’s new constitution,and my country’s future looks brighter.

Afterthe revolution, one thing that really changed was that everyone started talkingpolitics – something we hadn’t been able to do freely before. Even little kids couldtell you what happened because they were witnesses, and the shooting kept themawake at night.
Click here for a video of Ameni Mathlouthi talking about her experiences during Tunisia's revolution.

YJI's Journalism Contest Deadline Is Feb. 3

2012-01-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

WESTHARTFORD, Conn., U.S.A. – Youth Journalism International, a Connecticut-basednonprofit, is encouraging talented teenage journalists to enter its annualcontest honoring the best young reporters, photographers and cartoonists aroundthe world.

Thecontest, the largest worldwide, showcases the best journalism in English byyoung people.

“Everyyear, we see great work done by many young people all over the world. It’s areal honor for us to see it all,” said Steve Collins, Youth JournalismInternational’s president.

2011 YJI Contest Trophies

Winnersin major categories receive crystal trophies and other prize winners receivecustom-made certificates.

Thereare a number of categories for entries, including Student Journalist of theYear, the Courage in Journalism award, Journalism Educator of the Year, TheJacinta Marie Bunnell Award for Commentary and The Frank Keegan “Take NoPrisoners” Award for News.

“Youngjournalists play an important role telling stories that adults often overlook,”said Jackie Majerus, executive director at YJI. “These awards are a way tocelebrate their best work.”

Entries,which must be in English and published between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2011,are due no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, February 3..Awards will be handed out in May. Only work by non-professionals – those whoare not paid -- is allowed.

Detailson how to enter the contest are available under the Contests link at the top ofYouth Journalism International’s website at www.YouthJournalism.org. [Direct link is here.]

Ina bid to reduce paperwork and ease the administrative hassle, entries can bedone entirely online by filling out a form on YJI’s website and submitting workvia email.

Acomplete list of last year’s winners, who hailed from 16 countries on fourcontinents, is also available on the website.

YouthJournalism International is a recognized 501(c)(3) public educational charityby the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. A non-governmental organization, YJIdepends on donations from supporters to continue its important work trainingthe next generation of journalists.

Itsstudents’ work has been featured by The Huffington Post, National Geographic, PBSNewsHour, The Tattoo teen newspaper, Radio Pacifica, The Mash, Connecticut Public Radioand other news organizations.

Formore information, contact Jackie Majerus, YJI’s executive director, or SteveCollins, YJI’s president, at (860) 523-9632 or yjicontest@gmail.com.

Egypt's Revolution Isn't Over Yet

2012-01-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

By Lama Tawakkol

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

CAIRO, Egypt – With the approach of thefirst year mark of the start of the Egyptian uprising last January, things areheating up and tension is building across the country.

Almost a year after the ousting of formerPresident Hosni Mubarak and the assumption of power by the Supreme Council forArmed Forces, Egyptian citizens are far from satisfied.

When the military took over, it promisedthe people parliamentary elections in September and presidential elections byDecember. But as time passed and things progressed, the people found themselvesengrossed in legal debates, exaggerated sectarian strife and increasingpolitical divisions.

The violence and aggression inheritedfrom the Mubarak regime persisted and so did almost everything else. The changewas too small to be felt and too insignificant with regards to the people'sinitial democratic demands and the lives lost in the quest for them.

While some people remain in support ofSCAF – just as some remained supportive of Mubarak during the first 18 days –most of the public believes it is time for the military leaders to go. They arenot willing to wait for six months as Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawiurged them two months ago.

Looking back at the past year and whatit brought, all people can see is the same thing as before: media used topropagate the regime's ideas, violence in response to peaceful protests, poverty,inflation and efforts to divide and conquer. Revolutionaries have been labeledthugs and some have even been put in jail and charged with the mostunreasonable crimes.

The question persists about what is itthat SCAF wants and what their plan is, because there's bound to be one. Theyclaim support for the revolution yet do all they can for an entire year tobring it down.

They imprison youth leaders and work on damaging the reputationsof others, in addition to the numerous times the army has had a direct hand inthe killing of protestors since January 25.

The people have lost all faith in them.Now, the mood is one of cynical bitterness mixed with vows to continue on thepath to freedom on the same day it all began a year ago.

January 25th, 2012 is no longerconsidered the first anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution, only theanniversary of its start. The revolution here isn’t finished – not yet, notuntil the people's legitimate demands are met and actual change is felt.

Despite efforts on behalf of SCAF and themilitary government to transform the day into a carnival-like celebration, theprotestors won't allow them. The people are going back to the streets on thatday to finish what they started.

Sherlock's Game Of Shadows Offers Laughs

2012-01-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

By Madison Pollard

Junior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

LONDON, England – Though deridedby some critics as lacking the joy and excitement of its predecessor, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is afun film worth seeing.

It’s true that some of the smart moments from the 2009 film seem tohave been sacrificed in the second, to create space for the sequel’s morefast-paced fight sequences.

Butthe movie is still a successful portrayal of Conan Doyle’s original books.

DirectorGuy Ritchie never claimed to stick firmly to the original novel, The Adventure of the Final Problem. Yet,using this as the basis, he has succeeded in creating a set-up that leadsinevitably to the fight at the Reichenbach Falls.

Re-usingthe style of scenes from the earlier film, Ritchie was able to give theaudience an insight into the way that Holmes’ and Moriarty’s brains function,noticing every small detail, and being able to foresee sequences of actions.

This,added to the comedic scenes of a nude Mycroft Holmes, played by Stephen Fry, inconversation with Mary Watson, played by Kelly Reilly, whilst failing to noticeher discomfort, and Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock blending into a chair using acustom-made camouflage suit, creates an easy air to the whole film.

Despitethis, there is a lot of tension through a series of blunders, discoveries andtrying circumstances.

Forinstance, it isn’t every day that you get thrown out of a train on yourhoneymoon after being attacked by unknown gunmen. Special credit must go toNoomi Rapace for her performance as Madam Simza Heron, and to Jude Law for hisemotionally sensitive portrayal of Dr. Watson, particularly in the final minutesof the film.

Overall,it’s well worth seeing.

Don’texpect modernity, like in BBC’s Sherlock,or a rigid sticking to the original text, but if you are seeking a lively andhumorous, well-shot adaptation, then this is the film for you.

Iowa Voters Weeded The GOP Field

2012-01-04T07:31:00.001-05:00

By KiernanMajerus-Collins

SeniorReporter

YouthJournalism International

CEDAR FALLS,Iowa, U.S.A. – Thousands of Iowa Republicans gathered Tuesday night to be thefirst to cast ballots in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.

While theydidn’t agree much on who should win, participants probably helped weed out thefield of contenders a bit by throwing so little support to Texas Gov. RickPerry and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, both of whom campaigned extensively inIowa.

At the topof the heap were former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former U.S. Sen.Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. Romney apparently garnered eight votes more thanSantorum statewide but neither man got the support of even one in four voters Tuesdaynight.

LizzySchmitt, 19, of Waterloo, Iowa, was among those at the University of NorthernIowa’s Dome, the site of the state’s largest caucus gathering.

“Santorumhas the strongest values,” said Schmitt, who attends the University of St.Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Nick Fisher,18, a UNI student from Waterloo, supported Romney.

“I like hispolicies. I connect with what he says,” said Fisher. “Either Ron Paul or Mitt Romney will have theIowa vote.”

Paul, aTexas congressman, finished a strong third in the Iowa contest, followed byformer House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

It seemed asthough electability was a major concern for many of the Black Hawk CountyRepublicans held many precinct-level caucuses under one roof at the UNI-Dome.

Two of thecandidates – Bachmann and Gingrich – spoke to voters at the UNI-Dome to claim asuperior ability to defeat incumbent Democrat Barack Obama in November’sgeneral election.

Michele Bachmann

Ron Paul

Bachmannsaid her campaign had the conviction to “defeat Barack Obama and make him aone-term president.” She compared herself to President Ronald Reagan andBritish Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and said “our nominee needs to be”like those two outspoken conservatives.

“I am the onlycandidate who worked with Ronald Reagan,” said Gingrich, a testament both tohis experience in the U.S. House of Representatives and his advanced age.

Othercandidates sent spokespersons in their stead, choosing to appear elsewhere oncaucus night. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s spokesman, a localRepublican leader, said that the GOP’s candidate needed “leadership—that’s whatwe need in the Oval Office.”

Newt and Callista Gingrich

Gingrichappeared with his wife, Callista. Gingrich didn’t mince his words when talkingabout the president he aims to unseat.

“BarackObama is so radical and at the same time so incompetent that eight years maycripple America for several generations,” Gingrich said. “We’ve had three yearsof an amateur.”

Bachmannlooked backward rather than forward, telling Iowans to remember the sacrificesof everyone from the Pilgrims to William Penn. They “literally laid down theirlives as stepping stones” so that we might have religious freedom, thecongresswoman said.

Vern Wuensche

She alsotook shots at Obama, saying that he was treating the U.S. like a “third-worldbanana republic,” and claimed that Obama coveted “the crown jewel of socialism,which is socialized medicine.”

One otherpresidential candidate visited the UNI-Dome Tuesday—Vern Wuensche, abusinessman from Texas.

“I’m abusiness owner, not a politician,” said Wuensche, who is running for the GOPnomination for the second time. In his first try in 2008, he finished tenth inIowa.

Tuesday, he finished behind nine others andnone of the above, but it’s possible he might have placed as high as tenth onceagain this time around.
Photographs are by Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins.

Here are the official results from the Iowa Republican Party:

Results for Iowa Republican Caucus (U.S. Presidential Primary)
Jan 03, 2012 (100% of precincts reporting)
Rick Santorum	29,944	24.5%
Mitt Romney	29,926	24.5%
Ron Paul	26,182	21.5%
Newt Gingrich	16,210	13.3%
Rick Perry	12,574	10.3%
Michele Bachmann	6,064	5%
Jon Huntsman	744	0.6%
Herman Cain	58	0%
Buddy Roemer	49	0%
No Preference	133	0.1%
Other	117	0.1%

A Whole Bunch Of Caucuses Under One Roof

2012-01-03T21:10:00.003-05:00

Votes cast by Black Hawk County Republicans

By Kiernan Majerus-Collins

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, U.S.A. -- The largest caucus in Iowa is actually a multitude of caucuses.

Counting ballots

The Black Hawk County Caucuses are all being held in the University of Northern Iowa Dome, commonly called the UNI-Dome, and there are dozens of precinct meetings, where local party leaders are elected and ordinary Republicans speak in support of their candidate of choice.

Afterward, they cast their ballots.

The principal problem with what's going on is that it's hard to hear what's being said.

Voices from all the meetings intermingle, and the soft-spoken chairman of Waterloo's Ward 1 Precinct 6, Dick Poppy, is inaudible, his voice lost in the noise of the crowd. Poppy said it was his first time doing the job.

Most of the people in attendance don't seem to care what he said, though. They're just here to cast their vote for their candidate of choice.
Photos are by Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins.

Picking A Winner In Black Hawk County

2012-01-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

Kiernan Majerus-Collins/YouthJournalism.org
Iowans cast votes at the state's largest GOP caucus at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Table Decor At Iowa's Biggest Caucus

2012-01-03T20:22:00.004-05:00

Kiernan Majerus-Collins/YouthJournalism.org

Table decor for one precinct at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, site of the largest caucus in Iowa

Waterloo Ward 1, Precinct 6 Casting Votes

2012-01-03T20:12:00.001-05:00

Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins photos of Iowa Caucus participants from Waterloo's Ward 1, Precinct 6 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa tonight:

Bachmann And Gingrich At UNI-Dome

2012-01-03T20:07:00.002-05:00

Two more photographs from Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins:

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and wife, Callista

From Iowa's Largest Presidential Caucus Site

2012-01-03T19:59:00.000-05:00

Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins got some pictures earlier this evening at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa -- the largest GOP caucus site in Iowa this year -- that capture a bit of the atmosphere.

Caucus particiants entering the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa

The interior of the UNI-Dome before the caucus begins

Media set up at the UNI-Dome as caucus gets underway

Michele Bachmann at the UNI-Dome

Michele Bachmann interviewed at the UNI-Dome

Michele Bachmann at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa

Live Coverage Of Iowa Caucus Planned

2012-01-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins plans to report live this evening from the UNI-Dome at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Black Hawk County Republicans are gathering for the Iowa Caucus. Be sure to check back later for pictures and stories from the massive caucus that may help determine the Republican Party's standard bearer in the 2012 election.

Ron Paul Pushes Libertarian Themes In Iowa

2012-01-02T23:48:00.000-05:00

By KiernanMajerus-Collins

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, U.S.A. -- Republicanpresidential candidate Ron Paul told a crowd of supporters Monday that hislibertarian message was gaining ground in Iowa.

“We’re hoping to senda very strong message tomorrow,” said Paul, one of a large field of candidatescompeting for the chance to be the Republican contender against U.S. PresidentBarack Obama in November’s election.

Kiernan Majerus-Collins / youthjournalism.org

Ron Paul faces a crowd of supporters

in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Monday

Paul, who is hoping to triumphat the Tuesday caucuses, stuck to his campaign message, including hiscontroversial position on the Federal Reserve.

“We really need to reinin the Federal Reserve, we need to audit the Federal Reserve,” said Paul.

He also maintained hisreputation as a deficit hawk.

“We owe foreigners $3 trillion,” said Paul, who considers this unacceptable.

According to Paul,Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s efforts to relieve the Europeansovereign debt crisis are partly to blame.

“The Greeks, theItalians, the Spanish were living beyond their means,” Paul said, and he doesn’tthink this is an American problem. Domestic bailouts are also largely wrong,according to Paul. “Stop the bailing out of the privileged class,” Paul said.

Despite his loathingfor deficits, the longtime Texas congressman staked out a radical position onthe federal income tax, calling for a return to the pre-1913 U.S. taxationpolicy.

“We didn’t even need anincome tax,” said Paul, attributing that to the small size of the federalgovernment a century ago. Paul says there should be a “limitation on how muchtaxes you could levy on the people.”

Among his followers,Paul has a reputation for being a staunch defender of the Constitution.

Twenty-three-year-oldAlex Webb of Virginia, who attended the pre-caucus rally with family membersfrom Iowa, said that Paul tries to keep government within its constitutionallimits.

“He’s the onlycandidate who believes in limited government,” said Webb.

Paul also takes civilliberties very seriously. He voted against the National Defense AuthorizationAct, opposes the Stop Online Piracy Act, and thinks that “most, if not all, ofthe Patriot Act should be repealed.”

Some of those in attendancewere still making up their minds.

“I’m here with myfamily learning about the candidates,” said Olivia Barnes, an 18-year-oldfreshman at Wartburg College from Traer, Iowa, who identified herself as anindependent.

The congressman wasintroduced by his son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who said his dad is the onlycandidate who has stayed true to his beliefs.

“He’s really one of theonly candidates who’s not changing his positions,” said Webb.

Some question Paul’s electability,though.

Alexis Russell, 19, astudent at Hawkeye Community College, didn’t attend Paul’s event, but said he “hassome good views.”

She said it’s good thathe wants to do things, and not just “stand there.” However, she said hisunorthodox positions might turn some people off.

“He might change theway of life for people a little too much, and that might scare people,” shesaid.

Russell said she’sexcited about Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucus, which kicks off the Americanprimary season. She’s supporting former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.

“I like Santorumbecause he cares a lot about education because his daughter’s in education andI also support that laissez faire stuffthat he supports,” Russell said.

Russell said she doesn’thave much use for candidates who opt out of the Iowa caucuses, like former UtahGov. Jon Huntsman.

“The people who don’tmake a point to show up, I think that shows something,” said Russell.

Paul, though, has spenta lot of time in Iowa.

“More people are givinghim a chance” than did four years ago, said Elizabeth Webb, a student at theUniversity of Virginia who attended the rally for Paul in Cedar Falls with herbrother, cousin and grandparents.

Rallying For Ron Paul In Iowa

2012-01-02T17:52:00.000-05:00

Photographs by Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Kiernan Majerus-Collins at a political campaign rally for Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul in Cedar Falls, Iowa today:

Modeling their homemade shirts, Elizabeth Webb and

her brother Alex Webb, both of Virginia, join their grandmother

Mary Ellen Barnes of Traer, Iowa, and cousin Olivia Barnes,

also of Traer, at a Cedar Falls, Iowa rally for Ron Paul on Monday.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky

Paul backers at Cedar Falls, Iowa rally

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul of Texas

Gingrich Seeks Iowa's GOP Backing

2012-01-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

ByKiernan Majerus-Collins

SeniorReporter

YouthJournalism International

WATERLOO,Iowa, U.S.A. — Two days before Iowa Republicans gather to caucus, hundreds of peoplecrowded a small Waterloo restaurant to hear former House Speaker Newt Gingrichgive his campaign pitch.

Newt Gingrich

“Weare in real trouble in this country,” said Gingrich, one of seven high profileRepublicans vying for the party’s nomination to battle U.S. President BarackObama, who is seeking a second term.

TheIowa Caucuses, which will be held throughout this Midwestern state on Tuesday,are the first time voters select a favorite. But their unusual structure, whichdemands that voters gather as a group to hear pitches from candidates or their representatives before casting ballots, differs vastly from a primary, where individual voters each cast a ballot at a polling place.

Iowais important because it offers the first test of a candidate’s strength.Candidates who perform well here are taken more seriously as the raceprogresses, while those who compete and fail face an uphill battle if theyremain in the race.

Afterthe caucuses, voters in other states will make their picks until the partyconvention this summer, when a nominee is declared.

Gingrichsaid that his candidacy was different than those of other presidential aspirantsbecause he was “the only candidate” who has twice reformed the Washingtonsystem, once in the ‘80s with former President Ronald Reagan and once with hisContract with America in the 1994 election.

Andnow Washington needs fixing again, said Gingrich. He said Congress needs to getits act together and stop “bickering.”

Gingrich fans gathered at Waterloo, Iowa sports bar

Gingrichlooked confident despite trailing in the polls to Romney and Texas CongressmanRon Paul. He said 40 percent of all ads run this year have been attacks againsthim, and urged caucusgoers to reject the negative advertising and “punish”those responsible.

“Asyou know, I said from the very beginning we would run a positive campaign,”said Gingrich. Regarding a particular claim about his position on cap-and-tradeby the campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Gingrich said“Romney’s people know it’s false,” and that he was angry with the Romneycampaign.

Gingrichspoke to a crowd of at least 250 people jammed into LJ’s Neighborhood Bar &Grill late Sunday afternoon.

Hevowed to abolish “Obamacare,” the new national health care reform law, as wellas the Dodd-Frank financial reform law,but promised to work with members of both parties to get things done.

“Youhave to think about the country more than the party,” he said, adding that he“negotiated endlessly” with Democratic President Bill Clinton when he served asthe leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ifelected President, Gingrich said, he might select John Bolton, a former UnitedNations ambassador, as secretary of state, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels assecretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Steve Forbesas treasury secretary. He said he’d like an annual audit of the Federal Reserveand that he would work to change the United Nations.

“I’dbe very aggressive about taking on the corruption in the U.N.,” said Gingrich,adding that he wouldn’t hesitate to look for an alternative body to bringdemocracies together.

Cassandra McCurdy

LJ’swas packed with Iowans, some with their hearts set on Gingrich, others stillmaking up their mind.

CassandraMcCurdy, 16, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, works as a hostess at the restaurant. Shesaid a lot of people were there just to see Gingrich, the only candidate tovisit LJ’s.

“Ithink it’s pretty cool,” said McCurdy, a junior at Cedar Falls High School.

Seventeen-yearold Adam Salutric of Denver, Iowa said he hadn’t picked a favorite candidateyet.

“Ilike Ron Paul because he cuts the spending,” said Salutric, a senior at DenverHigh School who will be old enough to vote in the general election in Novemberbut won’t be at the caucus because of school commitments.

Adam Salutric

“Ilike the national defense that he talks about, with bringing home the soldiersand beefing up the border.”

He’sstill undecided, however, and was planning on seeing Paul the next day at anevent in Cedar Falls.

“Paulhas to win Iowa to have a chance,” said Salutric. “I think it’s the mostimportant caucus.”

Salutrichas another reason for seeing the candidates. He stood in a long line of peoplewaiting to speak individually with Gingrich and pose for pictures with thecandidate and his wife.

Butthe teen said, “I don’t want a picture.” Instead, he collects signed baseballs,both from professional players and from politicians.

Salutriccame away from the Gingrich event with a signed ball, which enlarges his 2012GOP collection to two: Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a ball for Salutric lastyear.

All photos by Kiernan Majerus-Collins for YouthJournalism.org.

Celebrating The New Year In Kampala

2012-01-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

Bwette Daniel Gilbert/youthjournalism.org

By Bwette Daniel Gilbert

Reporter

YouthJournalism International

KAMPALA,Uganda -- What does New Year’s Eve mean to you?

Is it tosmoke weed until you pass out?

Booze yourway to the new year?

Midnight shoppingat Nakumat Mall?

These weresome of the activities that ushered in the new year for many young people inKampala who were also hanging out at favorite hotspots such Nakumat, Height,Efferndys and Club Silk Street Jam.

At 7:30pm, Igot a dinner invitation from Babaluku, an influential Canada-Ugandan consciouship-hop artist, to the a classy Chinese hotel, where he shared his plan to usehip hop artistry to teach youths about hip hop, peace building and communityresponsibility.

Speaking atFang Fang Hotel, Babaluku also share with me his dream to train “Ship Crew”(young hip hop artists in Uganda between the ages of six and 11) to use theirmusic to influence their communities, school and families.

After mylong chat with Babaluku, I started visiting some of the favorite hangout spotsfor young people, including the Nakumat Mall, Heights and Kyoto. At all ofthem, I found youths boozing their way to 2012.

Bwette Daniel Gilbert/youthjournalism.org

A multitudeof young people gathered around the shopping mall since it’s the strategic spotto view fireworks from the Serena, Sheraton, Garden City and Fairway hotels.They stayed until 6 a.m.

Some of the youngpeople blacked out from drinking so much and were taken on boda rides backhome.

But otherspreferred to spend their time in church congregations such as Watoto Central,Miracle Centre, Nakivubo Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, thanking theLord for an amazing 2011.

This doesnot mean that those youths who didn’t make it to the city didn't also have fun.They just did it their own way.

Some wereseen burning tires and dancing to their favorite local jams like "Bolingo,"and "Stamina."

Now that weare already here in 2012, everyone hopes to make something of it, too.

2012: Not the end of the world after all

2012-01-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

By Madison Pollard

Junior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

LONDON – As most people have heard, the ancient Mayan calendar longago predicted the world would end in 2012.

Mayan stela.
From the Museum of Anthropology
Xalapa, Vera Cruz, Mexico

Unfortunately, there aren’t any Mayans around to explain what theyreally meant.

Luckily for me, though, I met some Mayan historians on a trip to theMayan Riviera in Mexico last summer.

Amazingly enough, despite the popularity of the Doomsday prediction,the Mayans do not believe the world will end this year.

They said in their calendar 2012 marks a dramatic change in theworld, but not its destruction.

Either way, does it matter?

Given the world’s economic crisis and natural disasters such as the recenttyphoon in the Philippines becoming more and more frequent, surely we should bemore concerned with dealing with the problems at hand.

Besides, if the world does end in 2012, no one will be around toremember it, so why all the worry?

On the other hand, there are many who have named 2012 as the year tofulfil your dreams. And why not?

Even if the world doesn’t end on December 21, 2012 – one interpretationof the Mayan calendar – this is bound to be a year to remember.

The Olympics are coming to England and hopefully the world’s economywill take on a brighter look.

With so much going on, why wait for the ‘last year on Earth’ toachieve your dreams?

For me, I resolve this year to throw myself into the things I careabout: advertising and journalism.

If the world does end, I will have spent my last days doing what Ilove, and, if it doesn’t, I’m better equipped for my future.

Let’s make it a year to remember, however it ends.

Dutch New Year's Eve Fireworks

2011-12-31T19:51:00.001-05:00

Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Caroline Nelissen took video of the New Year's Eve fireworks in Ermelo, The Netherlands tonight. Have a look:
and here, too:

Happy New Year From Yerevan, Armenia

2011-12-31T00:41:00.001-05:00

Narine Daneghyan / youthjournalism.org
A building in central Yerevan, Armenia, heralds the new year

My Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam

2011-12-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A view of Sword Lake in the center of Hanoi.

By Thuy Le

Junior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

HANOI, Vietnam – I am a Hanoian. Forthose of you who are not yet aware of my hometown, Hanoi is the capital ofVietnam, that little S-shaped country in Southeast Asia.

With well over 6 million people, thebustling atmosphere of the city can be definitely predicted.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

The Hanoi Opera House

When one firstarrives in Hanoi, it is likely that they will be stunned by the traffic herein a country where the majority of the population own motorbikes and wearhelmets.

Therefore, crossing the streets has become a crucial art thatforeigners and even many local residents aspire to grasp.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Ho Tay, or West Lake, in Hanoi

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A traditional Vietnamese toy made of rice

dough and often sold on the street

Hanoi enjoys a tropical climate, yetthere are four seasons, with the most pleasant periods being late-August tolate-October and early-February to late-March.

The summers are particularly hotand humid with an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, or about 91forthose of you who use the Fahrenheit scale.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Thap But, or the Pen Tower. It is in the form of a pen and was

constructed long ago to honor studying.

It is not without reasons that Hanoibelongs among Frommer’s “Top Destinations” in Asia: the city basically hasalmost everything.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A man does calligraphy. Traditionally, Vietnamese get one

of these works at Lunar New Year festival to hang in the home.

For those with an interest in cultureand history, there are an ample number of historical sites and attractions,especially in the Old Quarter where streets have merchants and householdsspecialized in particular trades, such as silk, jewelry and other artisancrafts.

For those who have shopping in mind, the major centers as well as smallboutiques are there to serve, offering all the brand names like cK, Mango,Converse and so forth.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

The historic Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Regardless of one’s purpose of visitingHanoi, trying the cuisine is absolutely a must. Besides the renowned Pho, ChaCa, Banh Cuon and Com are believed to come from Hanoi.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A street view in Hanoi

near the

home of Youth

Journalism

International reporter Thuy Le

Mentioning food, I suppose it isnecessary to introduce to you the street culture of Hanoi. No, I am not referringto graffiti or hip-hop, it is rather concerned with the fact that Hanoiansfrequently have their meals on the pavement. By this I mean on the sidewalk.

Inaddition, the image of peddlers is present everywhere and the traditional,intimate markets remain more attractive than the self-service supermarkets.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A drawing of the Old Quarter in Hanoi

My life to date has always beencontained in this lively city, except for a few occasional trips.

These 17 years have been long enough forme to fall in love with my hometown, yet I fear no amount of time could allowme to understand it thoroughly.

I could rant on and on about Hanoi, butto avoid producing an all-word tour guide, I would like you to take a look atthe photos and if possible, visit my wonderful Hanoi.

The Girl In The Blue Bra Could've Been Me

2011-12-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

ByJessica Elsayed

SeniorReporter

Youth Journalism International

COLUMBUS, Ohio, U.S.A.– In recent weeks, Egyptian soldiers beat, dragged, humiliated and tortured womenprotesters on the streets of Cairo. One of them, now known as the girl with theblue bra, could have been me.

She was viciously attackedby soldiers who stripped her clothing away, stomped on her chest, beat andkicked her.

This would have been treated by the media as another case ofviolence against demonstrators and a new demonstration against the militarywould have followed, but someone captured the scene with a video camera, makingthe appalling truth clear for all to see.

Sometimes I imaginethat the woman being beaten with what looks like a million clubs from a millionpolice officers is someone I know. It is hard not to get personal. She lookslike someone I know. She looks like me.

Woman beaten in Egypt.
Taken from Youtube video uploaded byelfaresboda

This woman, dressed ina full veil, was called a slut by power hungry politicians who favor theSupreme Council for Armed Forces, Egypt’s military rulers.

The video of her attackinfuriated women and men of Egypt and the world. For a woman to be undressedthis way is not accepted in Egypt or anywhere, with soldiers of her own peoplestepping on her and scarring her dignity.

But the only one left trulyundignified and undressed was SCAF.

This woman, known onTwitter as the girl with the blue bra, is Egypt’s symbol of nobility and honor.In fact, she is the most honored of Egyptian women.

The unforgettable videoof the assault on that woman prompted many more women to take to the streets in protest and now the womenof Egypt have subtly started a movement with their marches.

On December 20, 10,000women marched in Cairo. They protested against the SCAF and to defend the honorof that woman, an honor that was only intensified by her feat. A great many ofthese women had never protested before this day and took to the streets inorder to show support and solidarity and show the world they are not asilenced, home-staying element of society.

What isn’t apparent onthe surface is how these women changed views and shocked people everywhere. Another video on YouTube showed the world the strength and determination of the women of Egypt. In it, amultitude of women of all ages and from all sectors of Egyptian life, are seenmarching an chanting in the streets. Their angry response shows an attack onone woman was seen as an attack on all of them.

The feminist ineveryone came to the surface and finally spoke. The conversation about women,their vital role and their equal role to men in the revolution means a greatdeal for Egypt.

Only yesterday, Egyptmade forced virginity tests for women illegal. Even with this glimpse of hope, thereis much struggle. As more and more people see the youth of Egypt being killeddaily and no progress, lack of security and a dictatorship style military, a largenumber of Egyptians have lost hope.

What was done to womenin Cairo's Tahrir Square is by no means acceptable. It was horrific, barbaric and inhumane. Itis the kind of thing the martyrs of January died in order for it to neverhappen again.

As the world’s mediafilled up with images of the woman in the blue bra, I think about the manyothers that were beaten in Tahrir without a camera to capture them. SCAF hasproven by their actions that they are not suited to be in control of Egypt,even if temporarily.

The women of Egypt arelouder today than ever. They organize, they speak and they do. Empowermentcomes through the belief that you are free, not in the laws that govern yourfreedom.

The women of Egypt,young and old, prove this and the struggle continues.

Jessica Elsayed, from Alexandria, Egypt, is a freshman at Denison University.

You Can Help Youth Journalism International

2011-12-26T12:57:00.002-05:00

Make a gift to Youth Journalism International before the year ends!

This has been a tremendously exciting year for Youth Journalism International and its more than 200 students on six continents. Our students this year have covered everything from the Egyptian revolution to Australian floods. They have interviewed the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and a whole lot of young people across the globe. They've reviewed movies and plays, drawn cartoons, taken pictures and weighed in many of the big issues of the day. Through it all, these talented, wonderful young people have to come to know each other, to appreciate each other's cultures and beliefs, and to care for one another. Through them, YJI is building the cross-cultural understanding that is the key to a better tomorrow, for them and for all of us. We are, day in and day out, making a real difference. (See our reviews at GreatNonProfits.com, where YJI is a Top-Rated Educational Charity.)

Looking to expand our services to reach a rapidly growing list of young people who want to participate, we are asking our friends to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Youth Journalism International. Your gift to the Annual Fund will provide the resources that go directly to where the need is greatest to keep our programs strong and flourishing.

If you have recently given a gift, please accept our sincere thanks. If you can give, we are grateful. And if you cannot afford to give now, perhaps you can send this on to friends and family who may be able to make a financial contribution. We wish you a wonderful holiday season.

To give online, follow this link. You can also send a check to Youth Journalism International/ 33 Griswold Drive/ West Hartford, CT 06119-1147. For more information, feel free to call us at (860) 523-9632.

Sincerely,

Steve Collins

President, YJI Board of Directors

Reminder: Year-end IRA gifts are still possible. If you are eligible and must take a distribution from your IRA before the end of the tax year, please consider a tax-free gift to Youth Journalism International's Annual Appeal by clicking here. Originally scheduled to expire in 2009 the “Charitable IRA Rollover” provision has been extended through December 31, 2011. For more information, please click this link or check with your financial advisor.

Egyptian Protests Continue

2011-12-25T13:40:00.001-05:00

Yasser Alaa / youthjournalism.org

Youth Journalism International Senior Photographer Yasser Alaa took this photo at a big protest Friday in Alexandria, Egypt. The man on the left is holding a photo of a martyr. The protests denounced the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and their recent violent actions against protesters, including women.

Christmas Is Here, So Bring On The Cookies!

2011-12-24T22:20:00.001-05:00

Clare Hern / youthjournalism.org

Youth Journalism International Senior Reporter Clare Hern

of West Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A., shared this photo of

some Christmas cookies she decorated. YUM!

Christmas Comes To Yerevan, Armenia

2011-12-24T19:11:00.004-05:00

Narine Daneghyan / youthjournalism.org
A holiday scene on a central Yerevan, Armenia street

youthjournalism.org

YJI Senior Reporter Narine Daneghyan in Yerevan, Armenia

Narine Daneghyan / youthjournalism.org
A Christmas tree in the center of Yerevan, Aremnia

Narine Daneghyan / youthjournalism.org

Even the lights in Yerevan have the Christmas spirit!

Narine Daneghyan / youthjournalism.org

Christmas In Karachi

2011-12-24T10:47:00.001-05:00

Waleed Tariq / youthjournalism.org

Pakistan is a Muslim dominated country in South Asia. Christmas is still celebrated here with a lot of tradition. Preparations for the festival are witnessed in full swing with the onset of December at various markets, sweet shops, restaurants and florists. The tree above is in Nandos Karachi.

Egypt Today: Violence, Confusion, Rumors

2011-12-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

By Lama Tawakkol

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

CAIRO, Egypt - Amonth ago, Egypt witnessed what many termed “Revolution 2.0.” Violence hadensued near Tahrir Square between police officers and the protesters, as peoplereturned to a sit-in calling on the Supreme Council for Armed Forces totransfer power to a civilian council until presidential elections are held.

The violencestopped eventually and SCAF remained in place, only changing the cabinet to beheaded by Kamal El Ganzoury as prime minister.

This moveignited different reactions. As a former prime minister from ousted PresidentHosni Mubarak's reign, several were against Ganzoury’s appointment. They statedthat despite what he might’ve achieved, he was still a man of the regime.

These were thepeople set against SCAF and persistently calling for the immediate return ofthe military to their barracks. They decided they would hold the sit-in infront of the cabinet building until SCAF responded to their demands.

Others weresatisfied with Ganzoury’s appointment and believed that he should be given achance. They especially believed that the country should calm down a bit inlight of the ongoing parliamentary elections.

After a fewweeks of relative calm and stability, with only a handful at the demonstrations,the entire country woke up last Friday to a confusing spectacle. Army officerswere standing at the roof of the cabinet’s building, throwing stuff at theprotesters, from ornaments and furniture items to whole sheets of glass andgranite.

No one couldreally understand what was going on. As the day progressed, videos of soldiersmaking obscene hand gestures and others brutally beating up women and pullingthem across the streets circulated.

Once again, theentire country was outraged – and confused. No one could really tell what hadstarted it. Some people say the protesters had been playing soccer on thestreet and the ball had gotten into the building. When one of them went toretrieve it, he returned black and blue two hours later.

Another storygoes that the protesters had been asking for IDs from cars, and an officer in acar had refused. They claim he acknowledged himself as the one who’d been kidnappingprotesters the week before and aggressively beat up the person asking him.

No story is 100percent confirmed. Regardless, however, the military’s reaction is clear enoughon videos across the internet and in the deaths of a Sheikh and several others.

Their actionshave provoked widespread anger as they continue to proclaim that the protesterswere thugs and that there are “hidden hands” at play, trying to spread chaos.The people want to see these mysterious third parties and have them brought tojustice.

The crowds arereturning to Tahrir and what is now being called #OccupyCabinet on Twitter. Agroup of recently elected parliament members have publicly denounced themilitary’s actions and proposed methods for the immediate transition of power.

They wantparliament to elect a president who would assume presidential powers untilJanuary, which is when they want to hold presidential elections.

On Tuesday,there was a women’s march and several student demonstrations from universitiesall over Cairo and Alexandria.

One can onlyponder what grand finale this year will leave Egypt as 2011 comes to a close.

And with thefirst anniversary of January 25th coming up in a month and people already goingcrazy on Twitter with hashtags like #Jan25TWO and #Jan252012, it is impossibleto predict what can happen and if a second revolution is indeed in the making.

There arealready protests scheduled for today. Whether there is a turnout remains to beseen.

As Steve Jobssaid, sometimes you can’t connect the dots looking backward, you can onlyconnect them looking forward.

Christmas Around The World: Pakistan

2011-12-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

Youth Journalism International reporter Arooj Khalid of Lahore, Pakistan, took these photos of Christmas decorations at local shops.
She says the white part of the national flag represents non-Muslims in Pakistan, mostly Christians.
Christmas, she said, is celebrated in Pakistan on a "large scale."

Egypt's Door To Unknown

2011-12-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Yasser Alaa / youthjournalism.org

Door To Unknown

Youth Journalism International Senior Photographer Yasser Alaa took this mysterious shot in Egypt, but he won't say where. Yasser, who is 18, is the photographer who was teargassed, hurt and robbed of his camera while trying to document the pro-democracy protests in his hometown of Alexandria.
You can read about what happened to him, see his work here and also, if you'd like to help him keep these wonderful images coming, you can make a donation to replace his photography equipment through this special fundraiser on Global Giving.

World Must Support Change In North Korea

2011-12-21T12:59:00.001-05:00

ByTae Hyun Yoon

JuniorReporter

YouthJournalism International

SEOUL,South Korea – As the North Korean state media reported infamous leader Kim JongIl’s death, Asian stocks plummeted and panicked South Korean officialshurriedly organized an emergency meeting to discuss what to do in case of asudden attack.

Theunprecedented event struck fear into the minds of many people, and the possiblerepercussions range from a civil war to a stable transition for Kim Jong Un,the dictator’s son.

Formany of us, the most pressing question is: how would we continue to maintaininternational security after this incident?

Rightnow, Kim Jong Un is quickly preparing for his transition from ‘Great Successor’to ‘Great Leader’ of North Korea. Hemust focus on first achieving stability in order to ensure a safe hand-down ofauthority from his deceased father.

Thestate media in North Korea is trying to make the transition of power look smoothand stable, but in reality, things might not go so smoothly for Kim Jong Un. Comparedto Kim Jong Il, who had a full 23 years under his father’s leadership learninghow to manage political affairs, the 29-year-old Kim Jong Un has had barelymore than a single year to hastily prepare himself for the role of dictator.

Whilehis father had enough time to gain the respect of party members and militaryofficials, Kim Jong Un will inevitably suffer lack of faith from his subjects,who are mainly older than him. Furthermore, Kim Jong Un has not had the time to prove his entitlement tothe position of Great Leader, and has gained influence solely through hisfather, who is now deceased.

Consideringthese setbacks, North Korea has some serious problems ahead. A rare party struggle may actually occur inthis otherwise one-minded state, in which older Workers’ Party members fightagainst the young Kim Jong Un for power.

Theseelder members have a good chance of overthrowing Kim’s Regime, because theyhave the respect of military officials with whom they have worked for manydecades. Kim Jong Il’s brother-in-law, Chang Sung Taek, is a perfect example ofone such individual; at age 65, he has experience on his side and has served 29years as a senior party member. He also has the respect of others who may beable to renounce the current regime.

Furthermore,Kim Jong Il’s fourth wife, Kim Ok, is also expected to play an important rolein her stepson’s transition, and her taste for power may result in her using the younger Kim as a puppet, controlling North Korea by herself in reality. If this occurs, the military may be dividedbetween loyalists to Kim Jong Un’s regime and dissidents that hold allegianceto other party members, leading to a huge civil conflict that may spreadtensions across the world.

Ifsome countries try to support the contemporary government, and others attemptto help the insurgents gain power, the world may erupt into violent conflicts, andeven war.

Wemust prepare for what is ahead to ensure international stability. In order to assume control over the whole ofNorth Korea, the new regime will need support from other nations.

Provided that we help the young successor gain power, we canslowly convince him to introduce a free market to his nation and disable hisnuclear program step-by-step in Six-Party talks. Taking things slowly from there would be thebest way to avoid international trouble.

While it may seem convenient, mere observation may cause us tohead towards some serious unrest.

If we sit back and watch as bystanders, the instability in theKorean peninsula could kill us all in a global war.

A Virginia Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T22:48:00.001-05:00

Tamar Gorgadze / youthjournalism.org

Reporter Tamar Gorgadze shares this
photo
of

her family Christmas tree in Loron, Virginia, U.S.A.

In Venezuela, Christmas Pies Are Hallacas

2011-12-20T09:26:00.001-05:00

Mary Granella / youthjournalism.org

Flowers adorn a family Christmas tree in Venezuela

ByMary Granella

JuniorReporter

Youth Journalism International

VALENCIA,Venezuela – Christmas celebrations in Venezuela aren’t much different fromother countries around the world.

Most people setup their own Christmas trees in their homes – some like getting a naturalCanadian pine tree while others, like my family, own plastic trees.

People here use flowers,ribbons, bows, glitter, Christmas balls and stars to decorate their trees. Someof these are hand-made, especially since a majority of schools around thecountry make it mandatory for kindergarten classes to create their own décor tohang up on each kid’s family tree.

Huge trees arealso set up and decorated all over town. They’re in shopping malls, bakeries,clothing shops and other places. The mall closest to my house set up a gigantic85-feet tall Christmas tree right next to the escalators.

But the way wemake Christmas our own is by cooking typical Venezuelan Christmas food.

youthjournalism.org

Reporter Mary Granella with her family's nacimiento

One specialty isa stuffed type of pie known as “hallaca” that is filled with green olives,raisins, pork, chicken and beef. In some places, people even add beans.

There’s also thetraditional chicken and potato salad, ham bread and ponche crema, a creamy liquor.

This year myfamily and I met to prepare hallacas, set up the Christmas tree and a“nacimiento,”which is a sort of statue representation of baby Jesus’ birth inthe Bethlehem manger.

On the 24th, ChristmasEve, we’ll meet at my grandmother’s house for dinner and exchange presents atmidnight.

See more wonderful pieces in the Youth Journalism International ongoing series, Christmas Around The World.

Hope For Better In North Korea

2011-12-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

By Soo Ji Lee

Junior reporter

Youth Journalism International

CRESSKILL, New Jersey, U.S.A. – While spendinganother Sunday night with my parents in the living room, I was on my laptop,logged onto Facebook, and refreshed my news feed. At 10:13 PM, the first storythat popped up was a CNN breaking news alert saying that Kim Jong Il was dead.

My dad was in disbelief and wouldn’t trust it untilhe checked for himself on the Korean news outlet Yonhap. My mother thenexclaimed, “He deserved this for the bad rap he gave Korea.”

I suddenly had flashbacks to all the jokes my friends had made aboutNorth Korea. Comments had ranged from,“Are you from the good or bad Korea?” to “Hey Kim Jong Il’s daughter.”

At first I was annoyed that no one knew the difference between thedemocratic South Korea and the dictatorship of North Korea. How could theyconfuse my identity for a North Korean one? How would I even be in the UnitedStates if I came from North Korea? But then I gradually gave in and would jokealong with them.

Kim Jong Il

Back on my news feed, friends posted witty status updates such as“Osama is gone. KJI is gone. 2011 has been pretty interesting.”

Initially, I felt like joining my Facebook friends in celebrating adictator’s death. However, I am no longer joking; I now realize the globalimplications.

Indeed, 2011 has been eventful when it comes to the deaths of the twomost corrupt world leaders.

The media coverage of both has been similar: minute-by-minute coveragethat then exploded into ongoing 24-hour coverage for days.

Osama bin Laden and Kim Jong Il both preached anti-Americanideologies; Bin Laden taught jihad while Kim Jong Il advocated juche.Both were committed to the demise of America; both detested modern daydemocracy. When it came to valuing human life, both committed far too manyviolations to count.

That’s why students should not be naive in assuming that communism inNorth Korea will now come to an end. We know nothing about what will happen.

It’s uncertain how communism in North Korea will continue to exist.It’s uncertain if North Korea will take part in Six Party talks. It’s uncertainhow Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Il’s son and successor, will lead North Korea.

As uncertain we are, maybe we can be hopeful that we won’t have tosay, “Like father, like son.”

South Korea Through Fresh Eyes

2011-12-18T22:37:00.003-05:00

The death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, who has ruled since 1994, again focuses attention on Korea, both north and south.
A few years ago, Minha Lee wrote a package of stories about South Korea, including many wonderful photographs. She shared her observations and thoughts with YJI's readers in a package of stories that touched on the nation's language, its love of soju, the busy commercial side of the country and her own family's history.
This is a good time to check it out.

Big Book Fair Attracts Karachi Crowds

2011-12-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

Photos and Story By Waleed Tariq

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

KARACHI, Pakistan – One of the most eagerly awaited eventsof the year, the 7^th annual Karachi Book Fair, took off at the ExpoCentre on Friday.

Formally inaugurated Saturday by Sindh education ministerPir Mazhar ul Haq, the festival is attracting massive crowds waiting to catch aglimpse of their favorite titles.

Organized by The Pakistan Publishers and Book SellersAssociation, the fair is bringing in more than 200 publishers from all over,including America, England, India and other South Asian countries.

There are approximately 290 stalls with a wide variety ofbooks, including volumes of poetry and prose in both the English and Urdulanguages.

Many books on religion, law and medicine could be seen aswell. The festival will run until December 20.

Christmas Is Coming

2011-12-17T07:49:00.002-05:00

Katie Grosser / youthjournalism.org

Youth Journalism International reporters from many
nations share how the holiday is observed

in their home countries and homes in the ongoing series
Christmas Around The World. Katie Grosser, a senior

reporter for Youth Journalism International in

Germany, sent this photo today of her first Christmas tree

on her own, complete with presents she'd already wrapped.

Artful Henna Designs Add Beauty To Hands

2011-11-30T10:23:00.001-05:00

Photos taken by Arooj Khalid of her hands after
she applied mehndi, or henna, designs.
The brownish color is the applied paste and the red
design is the result after the paste dries and is scraped away.

By Arooj Khalid

Reporter

Youth Journalism International

LAHORE, Pakistan – Mehndi,also known as henna, is a really cool way to get funky, beautiful hands.

Its origins are fromthe subcontinent of South Asia, in the three countries of Pakistan, India andBangladesh.

Better known as hennain the outer world, it is a sort of mixture that now comes in paste, as well aspowdered form.

A plant material, hennais applied in beautiful designs to the palm of the hand, sometimes the feet,and is also used to give hair a brownish orange color.

Now-a-days, mehndicomes in cones; you just open and start making designs on your hands.

When it dries, youscrape it off, and feel amazed to see a beautiful dark red or brown color onthe hands. It then gradually fades away, taking days or weeks to disappear.

Over the years, thetrend of “henna tattoos” has developed, making tattoos with henna on the bodyin exactly the same way.

Not only the designs,but the color and the aroma play essential roles in the world of henna.
Applying henna is quitean old custom, most often used on important occasions such as weddings, religiousfeasts like Eid and other important events.
No one can imagine thesight of a bride, without her hands, arms and feet covered with henna. Besidesthe bride, each girl attending the wedding also tries her best to apply hennabefore the function.
Henna is also appliedwith glee at the anticipated event of Eid.
“Chand rat,” or thenight before Eid day, typically finds girls going to the market to get hennaapplied on their hands by professionals.
Henna is loved by womenof all ages and is now gaining popularity in the whole world.

'Apocalypse Now' Is Apocalypse Great

2011-11-26T00:17:00.001-05:00

By Adam Kelly

Reporter

Youth Journalism International

TORBAY, England – To describe how or why Apocalypse Now is so good is like trying to describe why great artis so much better than the rest.
Francis Ford Coppola produced a masterpiece in 1979 with thisharrowing, brutal, chilling look into something much, much deeper than just thewar in Vietnam.
Martin Sheen plays Captain Ben Willard – the second bestcharacter of his life, short only of that of the president on The West Wing – who is sent on a mission by two special ops soldiers to terminate,with extreme prejudice, Colonel Kurtz, an excellent soldier played by MarlonBrando, who has gone rogue and is leading a group of renegade troops inCambodia.
Willard makes his way up on a boat containing a handful ofcharacters as they encounter many different things along the way, even more inthe Redux and especially excellentextended edition, with Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Sam Bottoms, HarrisonFord and Dennis Hopper all making appearances.
The film itself was, as a documentary charting the making of itonce said, a “filmmaker’s apocalypse.” One cast member lied about his age to bein the film, claiming he was 17 when he was 13. However, by the time the filmwas released he was 17.
Coppola struggled to complete the film after years and years, problemsafter problems and more. It was finally released to a slightly poor box office.
But the box office lies, as Coppola, the production team and thecast created one of the greatest films of the 20th century.
Sometimes people can say too much, but the basics of what make agood film are all there, and they are better than most of the rest.

Martin Sheen

The screenplay, also written by Coppola, is a haunting,compelling, entertaining experience. The words seem so natural, as does theaction that takes place on screen. Add this to narration by another man, asWillard tells us the story of both Kurtz and himself as we wind further up theriver.
It is gripping and beautiful, combined with poetry from themouth of Kurtz.
The cinematography is something to be proud of. The hauntingsequences of helicopter attacks mixed with the sound of Wagner counter-balancethe calm and surreal close-ups of Willard as he narrates, while they fade intothe next horror, re-enforcing the madness of the jungle and the world intowhich we are being taken.
The acting is all-around good, but of course the credit must goto Sheen and Brando, who play their characters so well that we believe both menare mad and will snap at any moment.
But what makes Apocalypseso good isn't the fact that the technical aspect is spot on, it's the fact thatalthough we are watching a film about Vietnam, we are actually observing astudy in human madness.
The film looks at how the horrors of war drive its two centralcharacters – two great men – to madness.
Coppola does something which a film has not done for years andhad not done for years before, and takes his audience into the human psyche andmakes them able to understand the terrible insanity men experience.
The only way anyone can truly understand his accomplishment isby watching this truly magnificent film.
But perhaps watch is the wrong word. You don't watch Apocalypse Now, you experience it.

Macy's Parade Kicks Off Christmas Season

2011-11-25T10:47:00.001-05:00

KiernanMajerus-Collins

SeniorReporter

Youth Journalism International

NEW YORK,NY—There is no spectacle quite like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

It isremarkable for its sheer magnitude, and its celebration of the AmericanChristmas, a most unusual concept. Through events like this, society tries topreserve our commercial Christmas (and Thanksgiving too, for that matter).

The impactof that commercialism can be clearly seen in the parade. It’s a bitdisconcerting to think that a large Ronald McDonald balloon is considered byanyone to be a bringer of holiday cheer.

Nevertheless,the parade is great fun.

We werepacked right up against the railing, smooshed in with all the others, many ofwhom were not New Yorkers.

We could seethe floats right up close, and got to talk to the bands – college students fromMiami University in Ohio and high school students from Colorado.

It wasreally amazing.

I alwaysthought that the bands would have been full of super amazing music students,but they seemed just like regular kids. One guy from Colorado, who had neverbeen to New York before, said he already missed his mountains.

The mostexciting part of the parade is seeing Santa on his sleigh, but it wasn’t quitethe same this time as the first time I saw him at one of these parades. I thinkthat this was because of my prime location. Before, I had been at the back of acrowd, and I only barely saw him, far in the distance—so it was reallyexciting.

This time,however, I was mostly focusing on getting good pictures of him and his reindeerfor YJI’s readers. So take a look at them now – and enjoy.

Tear Gas And Tents At Alexandria Protests

2011-11-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

Yasser Alaa / youthjournalism.org

Tear gas canister that police use on the protesters.

Youth Journalism International Senior Photographer Yasser Alaa, of Alexandria, Egypt, took these photos today.

After getting hit with tear gas Tuesday and then robbed of his camera, he rented another so he could return to the streets of Alexandria to document what's happening.

Yasser Alaa / youthjournalism.org

A pro-democracy demonstration in
Alexander, Egypt on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

He's okay, but he saw horrific sights and said today he feels as if he is living in a nightmare. He went to take photographs and had trouble because of the camera -- he even apologizes to those who view the pictures as they are not truly representative of his fine work.

But the images are important all the same, he said.

He said there are thieves who come to the protests and act like bullies, provoking police to lash out.

When they do, he said, the thieves snatch mobile phones or other valuables. Many people are fainting from the tear gas, he said, and some of the demonstrators set up tents in Victor Emanuel Square in the Smouha section of Alexandria.

Yasser Alaa / youthjournalism.org

Tents set up in Victor Emanuel Square in Smouha.

Thanksgiving Offers Turkey, Family and Fun

2011-11-23T18:35:00.001-05:00

Macy's Holiday Parade in New York City.

Over the years, a number of Youth Journalism International students have written about Thanksgiving. Here are some of their stories:

Playing around on Thanksgiving

Between Plymouth Rock and a hard place

Gluttony? No thanks

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Giving thanks for good friends

Egyptian Revolution, Take Two

2011-11-22T21:40:00.001-05:00

By Jessica Elsayed

Senior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

GRANVILLE, Ohio, U.S.A. – You justdon’t make the same movie twice, especially since you will know the ending.

Starting Friday, Nov. 18^thtill this very moment today on Tuesday, Nov. 22^nd, the people ofEgypt have once again taken to the streets, after much patience had slowlydeveloped into much anger.

Many people don’t know about theprotests that have taken place almost every other Friday after the January 25 revolutionin Egypt as it is rarely televised in the United States. The demonstrationswere also considerably non-violent on the side of the police.

Recently, however, the military andpolice have used more violence than ever, at least since the revolution ended,with the excuse of practicing restraint.

Hundreds of people were injured onFriday and Saturday and more than 25 people are dead. The warm neighborhoods ofCairo, Alexandria, Suwes and Ismaeleya have turned into what looks like a warzone.

More than a million people again tookthemselves to the squares in their cities and, more vital yet, the militaryheadquarters, to protest against the Supreme Council for Armed Forces.

Now their chant is, “The peopledemand the removal of the Mosheer (the top general of SCAF).”

The people of Egypt are notfrightened by death or plastic bullet injuries. Thousands suffered from the teargas that was so abundant that it seeped from the streets into people’s homes.

The SCAF, like Mubarak “back in theday,” doesn’t understand.

Only a few moments ago, Field MarshalMohammed Hussein Tantawi, the head of SCAF, addressed the people in the sameaggravating way Mubarak used to do.

Ignoring completely the deaths andpeople in the streets, he told the country that all he wants is what’s good forthem and that his own reputation and that of the military has been stained byoutside forces.

If this is a repeated movie, we allknow Tantawi has two more speeches and a few more days before the people onceagain prevail.

The government handed in itsresignation, including the once hopeful but now disappointing Essam Sharaf, andTantawi has accepted.

After Tantawi’s speech, people arenow angrier and more united than ever.

Unlike other ‘mini’ post-revolutionprotests, this demonstration does not belong to one specific party, mentalityor religion.

Instead, it is one by Egyptians –pure, brave, youth, women, children, men and elders who will not stand by tosee what they worked so hard for destroyed.

The martyrs’ blood from last Januaryand February will not go to waste – and neither will that spilled thisNovember.

For the past four days, we’ve heardstories like that of Ahmad Harrah, a dentist, one of many Januaryrevolutionaries who lost his right eye from a bullet on Jan. 28 and now hisleft on Nov. 19.

Afterward, he said, “To liveblind with dignity is better than living with sight and defeated.”

Stories like these made people who may have not beento the first revolution leave their homes in the midst of the danger and taketo the streets in protest.

There are more people in the demonstration thanever before and they are ready to sacrifice anything and everything to keeptheir freedom.

There is no other solution or demand now exceptfor the leaders of the armed forces to back down.

The people are not satisfied with Tantawi’ssolution to simply have a referendum asking if the people want the SCAF to remainin control because they know the idea is meant to divide the people.

Once trusted, the SCAF initially fooled thepeople into believing that it was the guardian of the revolution, but it turnedout to consist of power hungry hypocrites who do not care for the people ofEgypt.

Despite being scared, insecure and living underconstant tension, people can smell revolution in the air again and they aredetermined to prevail. Millions are still in the street and will stay there untiltheir demands are met.

Revolution 2.0 has only just begun.

God bless the people of Egypt and keep them safe.

Jessica Elsayed, who is from Alexandria, Egypt, is a freshman at Denison University.

A YJI Student Injured In Egyptian Protests

2011-11-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

Yasser Alaa

One of our students – Yasser Alaa – was injured today duringthe protests in Alexandria, Egypt.

Yasser, 18, who has been taking photographs for Youth JournalismInternational since summer, was part of a group talking and joking around withpolice officers, seemingly having fun, when all of a sudden they opened firewith tear gas.

Demonstrators ran in every direction, some stumbling.

Yasser said he couldn’t find anyone to help him. He said hecouldn’t breathe or see anything because of the thick smoke from thecannisters.

Eventually, Yasser said he fainted from the gas and fell inthe street.

He woke up after someone carried him to safety, but then he felt astranger grab his camera from his hand and take off. A girl who fell nearby hadher purse stolen as well, he said.

As he looked around, he saw someone bleeding. He said he felt terrified and worried he would die there.

But Yasser is now safely at home, feeling "very sick now" and finding it difficult to breathe.
"I can't imagine what's happened to us today," he said.
Please keep him in your prayers and also his country, which deserves better.

We will update this as we learn more.

Meantime, if anyone has the means to help Yasser get a new camera, send us a note. He has started a photography business and has real talent. Check out his work here. He obviously needs a camera.