Qayssar R. Ahmed is the co-founder and director of Radio Dangi NWE, a community radio for youth and women. Qayssar is also the founder of 'Refugees to Refugees,' a radio program for Syrian and Internationally Displaced People (IDPs) who fled to Kurdistan during the Syrian war. He is a member of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate and the International Federation of Journalists. He has hopes of creating a civil society that respects individual rights and the freedom of expression. 

2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Digitization Journalism and Expanding Freedom of Expression

An online central database was created with individual profiles of journalists in the Halabja Province. Fifteen training videos for journalists were produced featuring media experts. Twenty-five journalists participated in a three-day training on digital journalism, journalistic ethics, maintaining digital security, identifying fake news, and working independently to allow for freedom of expression in journalism. For more information visit: https://homeofjournalists.com/home

“After participating in the training, I learned many new things...including distinguishing fake news...and maintaining the security of the devices I use such as computers, smartphones and their applications.” - Training Participant

2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: Journalism Courses on Investigative Reporting and Fake News

A total of 108 television, radio and online journalists and students were trained in journalistic ethics and misinformation, including how to recognize fake news. The project also included seven radio programs that delved further into those topics for a public audience. 

More on the project is available here: https://chmk.org/ku/four-journalistic-trainings-for-promoting-kurdish-professional-capability/?fbclid=IwAR2B6HWgyOfQLcDk8OMR9QcvPC_ya2k6HHktR7ZO61fYKg64CiARXtjXD_g

IVLP Exchange Experience

Qayssar Ahmed participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation in 2021, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360 in partnership with Global Minnesota, Columbia, Global Ties Alabama, and World Partnerships, Inc. He also participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - New and Traditional Broadcast Media II in 2022, organized by the U.S. Department of State and American Councils for International Education in partnership with World Partnerships, Inc., Global Minnesota, Global Ties Arizona, and WorldChicago.

Qayssar's exchange experience led him to develop his IVLP Impact Award Project: "IVLP motivated me to love my work and pursue a deeper understanding of journalism."

U.S. Communities Visited in 2022

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, DC; Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually in 2021

Huntsville, AL; Washington, DC; Tampa, FL, Minneapolis, MN; Columbia, SC

Country: Iraq

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