Supporting Young Journalists in Sierra Leone
TORONTO, July 22 /CNW/ - Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
hosts a special evening featuring prominent artists, journalists and members
of Toronto's Sierra Leonean community to celebrate and raise funds for Pikin
News- a newspaper developed and produced exclusively by Sierra Leonean youth.
Pikin News, (Children's News), was launched in December 2006 to provide a
platform for children and youth to discuss pressing issues that affect them,
such as child labour, political corruption, women's issues, and their dreams
for the future of their country. The paper's young contributors, ranging from
ages 12 through 17, represent a generation that has been deeply impacted by
the country's 11-year civil war and its aftermath.
Speakers will read articles and poetry from Pikin News - a newspaper like
no other.Host: Rudy Blair, 680 News radio host
Speakers: Austin Clarke, C.M., O.Ont, award-winning author, member of
Order of Canada
Jennifer Hollett, former MuchMusic VJ, journalist and social
activist
Mariatu Kamara, UNICEF Special Representative - Children and
Armed Conflict
Innocent Madawo, Zimbabwean author and journalist
Susan McClelland, award-winning journalist and writer
Umu Nabie, student and aspiring journalist from Sierra Leone
Leah Pinsent, Gemini award-winning actress
Performers: Ooh La La, traditional African dance troupe
When:
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 Doors Open 6:00 p.m./Program 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St West (West of Dufferin), TorontoAbout Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is an association of more
than 300 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and others who
work to promote and defend free expression and press freedom in Canada and
around the world. In 2001, CJFE coordinated a major project to help rebuild
key parts of the media in Sierra Leone.
For further information: Megan Mitton, (416) 515-9622 x.231,
assistant@cjfe.org
