Damascus | Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation | May 28-29, 2025
As part of its support for the new media environment in post-liberation Syria, the Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation, in partnership with the Al Jazeera Media Institute and Syria 24, organized a specialized training workshop titled “Advanced Journalism: From Professional Planning to Digital Verification.” The two-day workshop was held at the Foundation’s hall in Damascus, with the participation of 12 male and female journalists working on Syrian affairs, representing various regions of Syria.
Towards Professional and Reliable Media in the New Syria
The workshop aligns with the “Steps” center’s vision to promote responsible and professional media by empowering journalists with modern tools and techniques that help them monitor, analyze, and verify news in the face of rising misinformation. The training focused on developing skills in three main areas: planning news coverage, building journalistic stories, and digitally verifying images and information using AI tools.
Comprehensive Content and High Engagement
The workshop was delivered by media professional and Al Jazeera Institute trainer Ma’an Al-Khader, who employed an interactive approach based on simulation and practical applications. Day one included introductory sessions and experience sharing, followed by a presentation of news monitoring tools such as Google Alerts and TweetDeck. Participants engaged in practical exercises on search and information verification techniques using tools like Google, ChatGPT, and Google Lens. Training also covered image analysis skills and geolocation using tools like Teyra and Google Earth.
Day two focused on in-depth practical training, featuring a real-life simulation of journalistic investigations. This included exercises on reverse search, geolocation tracking, and using flight and marine traffic monitoring tools like Flightradar and MarineTraffic. Participants were divided into working groups to complete integrated journalistic tasks, from news monitoring and verification to crafting news stories.
Tangible Results and Accredited Certificates
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants expressed great satisfaction with the quality of the training and the content provided, especially regarding the use of AI tools in journalistic work. Participation certificates issued by the Al Jazeera Media Institute were distributed, giving the training a professional character that enhances participants’ opportunities for career advancement.
Key Outcomes:
- 12 male and female journalists enhanced their skills in news monitoring and verification.
- Mastered the use of advanced digital tools for image and content analysis.
- Completed practical applications within working groups simulating newsroom environments.
- Improved ability to produce reliable content in a complex media environment.
Participant Testimonials:
“The exercises on AI tools opened up new horizons in my journalistic work.” – Batoul
“I gained more confidence after the reverse search and geolocation applications.” – Amina
“The trainer explained the complex material simply and smoothly despite the time constraints.” – Ayham
“The Al Jazeera Institute certificate gave me a strong boost in my professional career.” – Sultan
For more details: https://www.facebook.com/Soria.plus/videos/4014308922145711/
