(The following is a blog written by Mr. Rathana Phin on his blog site Write to Change after graduating from the Newsroom Training Program Batch No. 4)
“It was such a memorable experience that I joint this program. I miss the time when teachers and students were joking in class, we had lunch and tirelessly talk with my fellow trainees. The main challenge here is to interview people for the report but it gradually gets to normal after many times of practice. It was fun and tough when doing the report but the strenuous part of it has taught unforgettable lessons”.
After 3 months of training at Newsroom Cambodia,I have written more than 20 articles published in Newsroom Cambodia website and one article on Cambonomist. Now, I feel I’m partially a journalist but to become a professional one it requires more practical experiences and commitment.
Besides being able to do the report, I have learnt that professionalism and news literacy is critical for the current situation of Cambodia.
Independent media that produce the unbiased report is necessary to create an open-minded and prejudice-free society.
And I’m excited to become one of the personnel to fight against misinformation and be the voice of the people.
Currently, I am selected to do an internship at VOD (Voice of Democracy) for six months. I hope I can enhance my writing skill as well as be a better reporter in the future.
Our Trainer
Teacher Prak Chan Thul
Teacher Chan Thul is a good man too. He is very open-minded and helpful in editing articles and I received a lot of good advice from him for these three months.
He has been working as a reporter for over 18 years, he has a lot of experiences. I’m glad to be his student and listen to his story.
Teacher Kann Vicheika
Bong Vicheika is my teacher, Bong Vichieka is hardworking and helpful.
In the afternoon after we had lunch, we normally “ទិញម្ជូរ” as our noon snack. I miss that so much.
Teacher Robert W Starkweather
Teacher Robert is very patient and helpful. Thanks to teacher Robert for help editing my article in English and giving good advice.
My Dear friends
Vuth ChanDara
Dara is a good man. He is very helpful to all his friends. Dara is smart and hard working. He wrote the most articles in the team that published on Newsroom Cambodia website.
Now he is selected to do an internship at Radio France International (RFI Khmer). Congrats to him!
Choem Soport
Soport is currently studying Public Administration at university but he played a role as a comedian in the class.
Now, he is selected to do an internship at VAYO FM.
End of Chapter
Last but not least, I want to say that I miss all of my friends in Newsroom Cambodia batch 4.
I can say your name, Dara,Seynak, Thida, Sophea,Seyha as a team who like to invite me to go many places beside the class.
And Nuphea, Ven. Noy, Ven.Dom, Ven.Rithy as a team who are tirelessly talking about many things.
Sivying (generally called K’ying) is my fighting friend, every project I did with her always fail.
Btw, this tough and fun experience, we actually learnt a lot.
Keep in touch, we will meet again!
(Newsroom Cambodia Batch 4 (August 24- November 13, 2020)
