Absi Smeisem
2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Journalism StudentsSyria
Absi Smeisem, a Syrian journalist, has made a significant impact on media coverage concerning Syrian affairs. Currently, he oversees the Syrian file at the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed website and newspaper. In 2013, Mr. Smeisem founded Sada Al-Sham newspaper, which evolved into a successful online platform. Mr. Smeisem is a member of the International Media Institute and the International Media Federation. He is also one of the founders of the Syrian Media Honor Charter.
IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Journalism Students
The project provided training for Syrian journalism students in Azaz and Aleppo on practical skills in article writing, news reporting and other types of journalism,. Experts in international law, human rights and the ethics of journalism led each training. The students produced 25 articles that were published in several newspapers. Three of the trainees were employed in media outlets as freelance collaborators.
"[Through this project, I hope to] introduce students from the Faculty of Journalism to the journalism job market in a manner commensurate with the ethics of the profession." - Absi Smeisem
IVLP Exchange Experience
Absi participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Syrian Journalists, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute for International Education, in partnership with World Partnerships Inc and WorldBoston.
Absi's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "My experience in IVLP was reflected in...getting acquainted with the decision-making mechanisms in the United States of America, learning more about democracy there and expanding the concept of citizenship. I also benefited from the experience of Al-Monitor journalists, especially in covering conflict areas. I also gained more experience on the concept of independent journalism through our interviews and discussions with the journalists who presented the project."
U.S. Communities Visited
Washington, DC; St. Petersburg, FL; Boston, MA