Blog translated entirely by volunteers!


Blog translated entirely by volunteers!
coordinated by Stephen Hallstrom, Peace Corps volunteer
and Anamaria Cătănoiu, Center coordinator
Volunteers, highschool and university students: Constantin Drăgoi (București/Bucharest), Ovidiu Panaite (Cluj), Oana Zlatovici (Suedia/Sweden), Olga Unguru, Ioana Tuvene, Alexandra Pădureț (Iași), Mihaela Hăican (București), Liviu Dîrdală, Ioana Cozma, George Georgescu, Alina Rotaru, Andreea Marcu




Friday, September 11, 2009

The journalist’s workshop….at an end

working

working...

workingggg hard

giving diplomas

again diplomas

they all get diplomas?

all diplomats

In short we can resume Zack Baddorf workshop, that took place at the Foreign Language Center of the Vrancea County Library, in something like this:
The 30 participants learned what it truly means to be a journalist, even if they don’t have and never will have any sort of connection with this profession. The main idea was not to convince them to embrace this job by presenting the benefits of it, but to help those that are not initiated in: learning how to read a newspaper properly, in sorting and understanding the information they read correctly, and in knowing how to analyze an article. Basic stuff, as many may say, but essential, and unfortunately, many times ignored or treated superficially. 
From the art of interviewing, to interpreting articles, to framing and making the layout, and without forgetting the art of photography, every corner of journalism was taken to account in the theoretical presentation, and even more in practice.
The modern technology came in handy; the course contained a lot of exercises for the journalist trainees, being presented by Zack with a video projector.

The second day of the workshop challenged their observation skills and their creativity, the photography course being an excellent way of learning how to take a real picture. 

The last part of the workshop showed the participants how to make a layout for the newspaper, the multimedia room, donated by Rotary "Varana" Club Vrancea, being too small for the 30 participants. The 7 computers that belong to the library were backed up by laptops that had all the necessary programs for editing photos or for making layouts installed, like Lightroom  and Quark Xpress.

Finally, all their work was rewarded with diplomas and a superb group photo with Zack, which will remind us of all the time that we spent together.

We thank Zack, and every one that supported us, we thank the local mass-media which promoted us (like that, between future colleges!). We hope to see you again at a new workshop (it remains to negotiate with Zack if and when he can come again), because your requests are just too many. If not, Zack encouraged us to become, the present graduates of the workshop, the new professors of the future workshop. It remains a possibility, and why not? A challenge.

Even so, the final conclusion would be that the team of this workshop remains a team from now on and to make a newspaper online (why not?).

All the impressions of the participants at this workshop are here, great and transparent, and waiting for you comments, the readers of this blog.

Hîrju Angelica
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XI

Being the first workshop with this theme, I enjoyed participating and it was very interesting. I hope to take part in more workshops with the same theme in the future. 

 Şerban Mariana
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XI

It was my first workshop and it gave me a very good impression. It’s very interesting and I believe that the information that you assimilate here will be of use in the future. If I ever have the chance to participate at a workshop like this I will take part with pleasure because the organizing and the rest made a very good impression on me.

Voloc Anamaria
CN Cuza Focşani, cls. XI

I can describe this journalism workshop as a good experience, constructive and special for all the teenagers that are interested in the domain or just seeking to exercise their knowledge of English .

Mocanu Alexandra
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XI

At this workshop everything was ok, because the atmosphere wasn’t dense. I didn’t think it would be otherwise, but I am happy to see that everybody is getting along and even up till now there were no problems regarding language. At the same time, I’m happy that a lot of known people came. There are also people that I expected to come, but they didn’t show up. Even so, it’s ok. Zack is very calm and precise, and the thing that brings me joy is that you can clearly see that he is a professional. I’m very happy that Ana is holding up and organizing projects that are accessible and innovative. It’s a great opportunity for many people.

 Grigorică Silvia
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XI

I participated at this workshop because I was curious about the way that an activity like this takes place. Now, that I have discovered, I realize that I was very lucky because I found out things that I didn’t even know. Zack is a great guy and he had the patience to explain everything in detail. I’m glad that I participated because it was an experience that will not be forgotten. It would be a lot better if more activates like this one would take place.

Borş Elena
Academy of Economic Studies – Marketing College, first year, Bucharest

American style!, I believe that this exclamation explains the impression that the workshop had on me. Compact and easy to understand, that is the way that Zack organized his course, more that a way to write an article it teaches us to be efficient. We thank Ana for giving us the opportunity to think in an American way, of learning the way to learn from the best in the journalistic domain.

  Bobaru Ionelia
Teacher, School group Dumitresti

What do journalism courses in an American style have in common with those held in a Romanian way? Honestly, from what Zack taught us,not much, or maybe just the theory. In the two days in which we held the workshop we learned and understood, short and to the point, what journalism means and how one can do photo journalism. And so, dear Foreign Language Library Section of the Vrancea County Library ”Duiliu Zamfirescu”, congratulation for hosting this event so welcomed by the students!

Drăgoi Constantin
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XII

A very fascinating course. Everything was structured and programmed in a way that didn’t make this gathering tiresome or boring. The team work and constant communication between Zack and us helped us to learn those basic factors of journalism. If the school classes were like this course, I don’t think I would have reason to complain.

Unguru Olga
„Al. I. Cuza” University – Marketing and Communications in Business, Iasi

The things that are happening at this workshop of journalism are great and unique. Here you have the opportunity to learn different interesting things about journalism and, of course, you have the possibility to exercise your English language skills. In addition, you meet new people who you can talk to. As for Zack, I can say that he is an interesting person that has a vast experience in the journalistic domain, who really knows what he’s doing. We can thank Zack and Ana for everything they’ve done and hope that this workshop isn’t the last, in contrary, but the first in opening a road in this direction.

Stoinescu Beatrice
Franco-Romanian juridical college, first year, Bucharest

The workshop proved it’s self as I had expected! INTENSIVE! It wasn’t boring or tiresome. I had sufficient time for brainstorming during the question session, and Zack proved to be an „excellent teacher”.

Goia Monica
NC Economic, cls. XII

Some knowledge about journalism and everything about the job, I can say that I had some knowledge beforehand, but this workshop helped me gain extra knowledge. I don’t think that I will embrace this domain, but you never know. Also, I think that this course is extremely helpful for those students that already decided to follow a journalist career. A very good initiative and the more workshops, the better, especially in a small town like ours. This was an opportunity for those of us who participated of knowing one another, but most importantly of expressing our point of view.

   Boldea Anca Raluca
“Nicolae Titulescu” University – Law School, first year, Bucharest

It was a successful workshop. The time was used usefully and at the same time it wasn’t tiresome. Zack gave us concentrated data, which can be used outside the journalism domain in our everyday life, even if as a school project or a publication.

 Gherghe Cristina Ioana
CN Economic, cls. X

No comment! Zack is more than a professional. He does his job with love and dedication that you can even memorize two-three words of what he says. This workshop gives you the chance to learn something new, to meet new people…Sincere Congratulations, Ana, for the work that you keep doing for us. Without you the library would remain only…a library.

   Dîrdală Andrada
Bucharest University- College of Sociology and Social assistance, year II

Being the first workshop with this theme at which I ever participated I liked it very much and it was very interesting. I hope that in the future I will be able to participate at more workshops that have the same theme. 

    Dîrdală Sabina
University of Bucharest – Geography College, first year

It’s the first workshop of this type that I ever participated in and I can say that I was pleasantly impressed by Zack. I liked the way Zack explained and talked to us. I will consider this workshop as a new experience that will surely help me in the future. Even if I am not at a university that teaches journalism I would like in the future to take up journalism and this experience will certainly help me very much. Thank you Zack for showing us a new face of journalism.
  
  Cozma Ioana
CN Unirea, cls. IX

I came to this course because I was interested, in particular, about the meaning of journalism in the USA. Certainly I have observed differences between the way that Americans see journalism and the way we see this job. I liked the way Zack talked to us, the fact that we communicated. Certainly I will consider this course in the future. It would be great if more activities of this sort would take place.

Alstanei Alexandra         
CN Unirea, cls. XI

The experience that the Foreign Language Center offered us; surely, is a road opener! From the possibility of polishing my English skills, to the chance of speaking with a person that has been a witness to the realities of the world, and going even to the point of “planting” the hope for an aspirant of journalism, they all became one in only two days of “marathon” on an innovated field bordered by patience and friendship.

  Pădureţ Alexandra
CN Unirea, cls. XI

I consider that this journalism workshop is an excellent opportunity to find interesting information about the domain, to interact with other people, and to swap ideas. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to exercise and to better your English language knowledge

Ververiş Mădălina Elena
Technical School “Ion Micu” , cls. XII

The way the Foreign Language Center of Vrancea organized the journalism workshop was a great idea. Zack explained in detail what a day in a life of a journalist is. Keep it up!

  Grădişteanu Cristina
“Al. Ioan Cuza” University – Faculty of Letters, specialization journalism, second year, Iasi

The utility of this workshop can be seen in the fact that the undicided students, in what involves their profession, can get a generel idea abaut the work of a journalist. The practical part helps us more in fixing the new information. Zack is OK, you can tell that he enjoys giving some tips to trainees. More activities like this one would be welcomed in our town.

Georgescu Bogdan George
Tehnical School „Valeriu D. Cotea”, cls. X

This course is interesting and educational. I recommend it to all those that wish to start a career in the domain.

  Rusu Oana
CN Unirea, cls. XI

I found out about this workshop from the paper, even if I don’t really read the press too often and thought about enlisting, not because reading the newspaper would interest me, but because I was interested about the work done behind the written press. Zack is a formidable man from many points of view. The first time I didn’t think I would understand too much but, after a few hours, not only did I understand, but I learned that things are more complicated than I thought. I gained the basic knowledge of a journalist and I think that I would like to write an article sometime. In this workshop I have seen new perspectives; I have meet new people and heard a lot of different opinions.

   Grigoraş Alina Loredana
   CN Unirea, cls. XI

For me the workshop seems to be an extraordinary experience...I came and enrolled because I read about this event in the local newspaper. I arrived in the morning and found out that a Peace Corps member will be teaching the course and not a Romanian one; as such the lessons will be in English. I can say that for a few seconds I became nervous and thought that I will not be able to keep up. But it was nothing like that! It was truly superb, it’s not hard, it’s quite a unique experience and it’s worth a shot and it will help me for sure in the future! I hope that I can take part in more similar occasions!

  Ionică Alexandru
CN Unirea, cls. XI

To me the workshop seems an excellent idea because it helps you improve your language and your vocabulary in English but it also offers the possibility of taking a few journalism courses, an occupation that is greatly neglected but one that can help our country to evolve a lot. Zack is OK, he is not boring and makes the course interesting.

  Lupu Gabriel
„Ştefan cel Mare” Theoretical High School ,Râmnicul Sărat, cls. XII

It’s a very good course because we can learn new things from people with experience. I liked everything, the atmosphere was great. I hope that there will be more courses like this one.

Ghiu George
Westminster Journalism University, London, second year

This course is very usefull for those students that want to follow a journalist’s career. I appreciate very much the joining of theory and practice and Zack is an excellent “professor”.

Stoica Roxana
CN Unirea, cls. XI

From my point of view, the journalism course is very interesting. Thanks to Zack I found out a lot of things about journalism. Thrugh this course I improved my English. Zack is willing to share all of his knowledge.

Nedelcu Georgiana
 CN Unirea, cls. XI

The greatest thing in my vacation happened, I met a man with a lot of experience and a talent, I would say a native talent, of boosting those with who he speaks about journalism. I made my English better; I talked and accumulated the basic knowledge of a journalist.

Zlatovici Oana Florentina
“Spiru Haret” Pedagogic High School, cls. XI

The experience is unforgettable, that is how I can name the things that I like a lot, once I had been through them. Zack’s theories have taught me a lot. While I was listening, I was thinking that they were very very useful, plus I learned how to express my words through photography. Thank you Zack, thank you Anamaria Cătănoiu.

 Erin O’Halloran
Peace Corps volunteer USA

At the Organization for kids with autism „Speranţa Andradei”, Focşani
  I thought the workshop was very sucessful. Well attended and very focused. I felt the sessions were informative and the duration of each session was compatible with the attention span of the average attendee. Zack is a very good presenter and brings a well of knowledge to the subject matter. The students were very engaged and their contributions were pertinent and thoughtful. I hope to see similar workshops offered in the future.

Tudor Bezea
MAUX DESIGN Focsani

In a period in which you hear talks about the credibility of information sources and of the necessity of communication between teenagers, Zack’s journalism workshop deserves only praise.

 Dana Lepădat
Radio Romania and Cultural Correspondent

It’s unbelievable how a journalist can be so busy, that related years in a row about the problems in war zones is occupying his time to teach others how it is to be a journalist in an objective and ethical way. I was impressed with Zack’s seriousness in everything he did and he didn’t do it just to say that he did it. Worth praising, and I wish that one day (maybe after another generation has passed, I don’t know) I will be able to do transmissions just like him, with so much professionalism.  


Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu, Coord. Foreign Language Center
Translated by Constantin Drăgoi - Volunteer

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Journalist’s Workshop….in progress



Here we are, at last, at the first day of the workshop. Zack has installed the software on the computers, located in the Varana Rotary Club multimedia room, and we did the last tests with the video projector. I decided that we can compensate the small number of computers with some laptops making it better for all.
The participants are students from high schools all over the county and even from Râmnicu Sărat (Spiru Haret Pedagogic High school, Al.I.Cuza NC, Economic National College, Unirea NC, Technical High school “Ion Mincu”, Technical High school “Valeriu D. Cotea”, School Group Dumitrești, Theoretic High school "Stephen the Great"- Râmnicul Sărat), students and MA’s at journalism and other domains in the country (University of Bucharest – Sociology and Social Assistance, University of Bucharest – The Geography Faculty, University of Iași - Marketing and Communication in Business, University of Bucharest - AS, the College of Law French-Romanian –Bucharest, Nicolae Titulescu University - Bucharest) and abroad (University of Journalism, Westminster, London).
 “The available seats were occupied on the first two days of registration. Because there were and there are still a lot of solicitants, I opened a new list for a workshop which will take place during the vacation at the beginning of February. I talked with Zack about the possibility of redoing the workshop and he approved. Already there are ten people registered on the new list. There are still 20 places left. The principle is the same – first come, first served, because Zack is very strict regarding the number of seats and participants at the workshop. Anyway, we were expecting this kind of success and the great number of solicitants” (Anamaria Cătănoiu - coordinator of the The Foreign Language Center of Vrancea County Library)

The program for the two days of workshop is very generous and….full.

Newspaper Workshop- schedule

Day 1
09:00- Introduction and Ideas
10:00 - Break
10:10 – How to Interview
10:50 – Break
11:00 – Writing News Event Articles
11:50 – Lunch
13:20 – Writing Feature Articles
14:15 – Break
14:25 – Writing Opinion/Monthly Columns
14:50 – Break
15:00 - Practice Writing
16:00 – Day 1 Completed

Day 2
09:00 – Article Editing
10:00 - Break
10:10 - Photography
10:50 – Break
11:00 – Photo Practice
11:30 – Lunch
13:00 – Layout
14:00 – Break
14:10 – Photo Editing/Layout Practice
15:10 – Break
15:20 – Planning Your Newspaper
16:00 – Workshop completed

We are waiting for impressions from the participants after the two days of work …and the professor’s opinion on his trainees.

See you soon with pictures!

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu - coordinator of the the Foreign Language Center
Translated by Constantin Drăgoi - volunteer

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Journalism Workshop for High School Students


The Foreign Language Center of the Vrancea County Library and the American volunteer of Peace Corps, Zack Baddorf, invite all high school students to a workshop about journalism.

The workshop, which will be coordinated by Zack Baddorf, a former journalist and war correspondent, now a volunteer for Peace Corps USA, is offering to all students a series of activities that will initiate them in the art of written press.

The art of writing articles, reports, conducting interviews, photography and editing photos, are only a small sample of the things that are going to be included in the workshop.

This “marathon” of journalism is going to take place in two days’ time, on the 10th and 11th of September, between 9.00 am and 16.00 pm, at the headquarters of The Foreign Language Center of the Vrancea County Library. 

The attendance is free, but students will need to enroll on a list, the group for this workshop being set at a maximum of 30 people.

The period in which you can enroll is set until the 7th day of September 2009 at the headquarters of The Foreign Language Center of Vrancea County Library, on Republicii street number 8 (in vicinity with Bălcescu Park). The contact for this event is Anamaria Cătănoiu, center coordinator for the Foreign Language Center, telephone: 0237-231161.

“Zack’s proposal of organizing a workshop with a theme for high school students interested in journalism was very interesting and welcomed by us at the same time. You don’t get the opportunity every day to learn “lessons” from a professional with a high variety of experience in the domain, if we think of the years he spent as a correspondent of war and trainer in the US marines. At this event we will also have the local mass-media, as a participant, for an exchange of experience and open talking that will benefit us, the trainees.” (Anamaria Cătănoiu, coordinator - Foreign Language Center) 

Attend the Journalism Workshop

WHO: High School Students
WHAT: Journalism Workshop
WHERE: Foreign Language Center- Duiliu Zamfirescu County Public Library
WHEN: September 10-11, 2009, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
PRICE: Free

This English-language workshop will include classes on news writing, feature writing, interviewing, photography, photo editing, opinion writing and newspaper layout. The courses will be interactive and provide you the information needed to be an effective reporter, photographer or editor at your school newspaper and get a head start in a journalism career.

Zack Baddorf, a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, will teach the two days of classes. Baddorf teaches English at an industrial high school in Barlad, Vaslui. Before arriving in Romania in 2008, he worked as a military and freelance journalist for seven years in more than 25 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Palestine. He has won military and civilian awards for his work in print, photojournalism, radio, and video.

Students will be expected to pay for their lunch during the two days. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Reserve your seat today!

Article written by Anamaria Cătănoiu – coordinator Foreign Language Center
Translated by Constantin Drăgoi - volunteer