Latest news with #Create
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
UAEBbY launches 2025 creative writing competition
Annual initiative This annual competition is part of the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign, launched by the board in 2013 to strengthen the relationship between children and books, promote reading and literary creativity within the UAE community, and offer young creatives the opportunity to develop their abilities and enter the fields of literature and publishing. Unique opportunity Marwa Al-Aqroubi, Chairwoman of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, emphasized that the creative writing competition represents a unique opportunity for children and youth to develop their literary imagination and enhance their skills in expression and writing in Arabic. She noted that creative writing is not just a linguistic skill, but also a tool for developing critical thinking and boosting self-confidence. Supporting young creatives Al-Aqroubi explained that the competition aims not only to discover talents but also to refine and develop them by providing a platform for children and youth to showcase their literary creations. Some previous participants have turned their passion for writing into actual literary projects, demonstrating the positive impact of the competition. Inspiring new experiences The Chairwoman stressed that the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign aims to enhance the role of books in the lives of children and youth, inspiring them to explore new experiences in the world of literature. She invited all children and youth in the UAE to participate in the competition and seize this opportunity to unleash their imagination and literary skills. Submission details The submission period will remain open until July 31, 2025. Stories must be written in Arabic and be the original work of the author, with the option to include illustrations. Texts should be submitted in Microsoft Word format, along with the electronic form available on the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign website. Age categories and prizes Participants will be divided into three age categories: 6 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, and 13 to 18 years. Each category winner will receive a cash prize of 3,000 AED, along with a collection of valuable books and a certificate of appreciation. Winning stories will also be published on the campaign's website. Impact of the competition Since its inception, the competition has successfully motivated hundreds of children and youth to develop their writing and language skills, encouraging them to continue reading and engaging in literary creativity, paving the way for some young creators to enter the publishing world and turn their texts into printed editions.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Sanef and partners launch initiative to protect journalists and human rights defenders
Sanef, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and Amnesty International SA launched a new initiative to protect journalists and human rights defenders. Image: - Human rights organisations and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) have launched a new initiative to protect journalists and human rights defenders from any form of threat and intimidation. Sanef, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and Amnesty International SA, launched 'Create Project' to safeguard journalists and human rights from rising threats in the form of online abuse, physical intimidation, surveillance and harassment. The project, called Capacitating Resilience, Enhancing Accountability and Transforming the Environment (Create), aims to strengthen the protection of journalists and human rights defenders in Southern Africa. The organisations said journalists and human rights defenders in South Africa and the region are facing rising threats in the form of online abuse, physical intimidation, surveillance and harassment in the face of a global anti-rights movement. This comes as the organisations celebrated World Freedom Day on Saturday. May 3 acts as a reminder to the governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. The organisations said the initiative recognised that attacks on media freedom and civic activism were not isolated and that they are part of a broader pattern aimed at silencing truth and undermining the democratic space. The project is designed to push back against that. In March 2018, former EFF deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, who is now the umKhonto weSizwe (MK) party secretary general, was caught on camera intimidating a multimedia journalist Adrian de Kock outside parliament. In 2020, police in Swaziland raided the home of Zweli Martin Dlami, the editor of the Swaziland News, and arrested him for two articles he published about King Mswati III, lying about the political and economic situation and accusing him of promoting a cultural ceremony where women could be sexually abused. His laptops, cellphones, hard drives and other electronic devices were also seized. In April 2021, SABC Radio news journalist Phanuel Shuma was forced to lay a charge of intimidation with police after brothers Manqoba and Lucky Khoza, who were accused of murder and a prosecutor accused of taking a bribe, wanted him to derail their case, at his workplace in Pretoria. In 2022, human rights defenders Ayanda Ngila and Siyabonga Manqele were murdered and joined the growing list of activists who have been assassinated for their work, like environmental activist Mam'Fikile Ntshangase and whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who were killed for their role in advocating for the rights of marginalised communties and speaking out against corruption. The new initiative aims to build a safe, supportive, and responsive environment where journalists can do their work without fear, and where defenders of human rights can continue to raise their voices without being punished for it. Sanef executive director Reggy Moalusi said, 'This is a key training initiative, coming at the right time when journalists across southern Africa are increasingly being harassed and intimidated. We seek to see a better environment where journalists are better treated and are allowed to do their work without any fear of being hunted down by those who simply hate the work they do, and they are afraid of being exposed for all the wrongdoing.' At the core of the project is the development of a system where journalists can report threats and harassment safely and confidentially. These reports will not only help secure emergency support for those in immediate danger but will also contribute to a growing body of evidence that can be used to hold perpetrators accountable and influence legal and policy reforms. Amnesty International SA executive director Shenilla Mohamed said, 'This is an important project which underscores the work Amnesty International South Africa, along with other organisations, has been doing on human rights defenders. Journalists, like all human rights defenders, need to be protected. Attacks on journalists ultimately restrict the right to freedom of expression in the country and have the potential to limit the right of the public to access accurate information in the public interest. A vibrant and free press is a key building block of any society.' By collecting and analysing data on threats and trends, the CREATE project will help shape more informed responses from policymakers, media organizations, and human rights institutions. The aim is to close the gaps that currently allow perpetrators of harassment and violence to act without consequence. The organisations added that to protect press freedom, the broader environment must be safe for all defenders of rights and democracy. The project strengthens referral networks and access to information so that more defenders, not just those in major cities or established media, can get help when they need it most.
Campaign ME
23-04-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Create. appoints Business Lead, Creative Director and Executive Director
Create., which was named Campaign Middle East's Digital Agency of the Year 2024, has appointed three new leaders to its team. Mahmoud Shaban takes up the role of Business Lead, Saudi Arabia; Yash Murthy has been appointed Executive Director, Social; and Wassim Olabi has taken up the role of Creative Director at Create. With 22 years of experience in brand, marketing and communications, Shaban has held leadership roles at agencies such as SuperUnion, Y&R, and ZenithOptimedia. Shaban's career spans both corporate leadership and consultancy, delivering strategic business outcomes for prominent regional organisations. He will oversee Create's operations in the Kingdom, with a focus on client leadership with Create's existing local clients, as well as accelerating business growth and attracting top talent. Commenting on his appointment, Shaban said, 'Saudi is a market with huge energy and ambition. My focus is on helping Create. continue to show up in a way that's locally grounded, operationally strong, and creatively world-class.' Wassim Olabi brings 17 years of experience in advertising and PR. Wassim has worked on high-profile campaigns, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Pro League launch and Bank Audi's 'Café el Hay' series. His work has earned multiple accolades, including Cannes Lions and a D&AD White Pencil. 'I'm excited to support the team in establishing Create. as a leading creative hub in the region. I believe there's a lot of untapped potential in blending creativity with technology, and I can't wait to bring fresh ideas to the mix,' Olabi said. Yash Murthy brings extensive experience across creative, social, and strategic roles at global agencies. He has led award-winning campaigns for top-tier brands, including Gatorade, Disney and Visa. Murthy said, 'I couldn't be more excited to join Tom and the team at Create. at such a pivotal time for both the agency and the wider industry. There's real depth and momentum here — a chance to build and shape what the future of creativity, community, and brand-building looks like at unprecedented scale. Being part of a team leaning into this new world with ambition, purpose, and integrity is an incredibly energising prospect.' The appointments are in line with Create's vision to strengthen its creative leadership, accelerate the growth of its service offering and drive continued success across key markets.
CBC
30-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
'Would not wish it on my worst enemy,' says Winnipegger sidelined with rare pain syndrome
Ethan Belcourt wants his life back. In 2019, after a year of constant pain, Belcourt was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS. Since then, the Winnipegger's life has dramatically changed. He is on disability and spends most of his time at home, save for appointments and errands. "This disease has sucked me basically to the point where I am tired all the time, that I am fighting pain every day," said Belcourt. "It just sucks the energy out of me." CRPS is relatively uncommon, and is often the result of an injury, though the pain is not commensurate with the injury. There are different classifications and causes of the pain, and treatment is varied too. In Canada, an organization called PARC, or Promoting Awareness of RSD and CRPS, hopes to shed more light on the condition. (The syndrome was formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, according to the organization.) "[The] pain is excruciating, way more than you would expect," said Dr. Javier Webar, a pain specialist in Winnipeg who treats patients with CRPS. "The nerve endings that are responsible for carrying the pain information from everywhere in your body become hyperactive." Belcourt says the condition has turned his life upside down. He expects to be on disability for the rest of his life. "I'll put this simple — with the amount of pain I get with this, I would not wish it on my worst enemy," said Belcourt. "That's how bad the pain can get some days." Belcourt's story and CRPS are the focus of a new three-minute documentary by students in the Create program at Winnipeg's Sisler High School, a post-high school program that trains students in the creative digital arts, including filmmaking. Create students Shai Vilenski East, Shea Miller and Maya Reuther produced the new short video. Meet the filmmakers Shai Vilenski East has been fascinated with the world of film and entertainment since an early age. He made his first stop-motion film when he was nine and has continued to make films for the sake of entertainment and fun. In junior high, he was an editor for his school's news program, and he created multiple short films in high school. Now, his dream is to become an editor, creating films that are nothing short of awesome. Shea Miller immersed herself in literature, music and movies beginning in childhood. She is now an aspiring filmmaker and has a strong passion for storytelling. As a filmmaker, she hopes to voice life experiences for herself and for others. She has enjoyed expanding her knowledge and learning different ways to tell stories through documentaries and journalism. Maya Reuther has been making videos since childhood. She loved recreating famous movie scenes or making stop-motion videos. She has recently gained an interest in Foley and creating music videos. In her spare time, Maya likes to listen to and make music, create sculptures and try new, crazy makeup looks. More about Project POV: Sisler Create CBC Manitoba's Project POV: Sisler Create is a storytelling collaboration that partners filmmaking students with CBC Manitoba journalists to produce short docs. You can see past projects here. The Winnipeg School Division's Create program is hosted at Sisler High School and trains post-high students in the creative digital arts. During fall 2024, CBC journalists taught storytelling to filmmaking students and led producing workshops at Sisler. Create focuses on education and career pathways into the creative industries. Students can take courses in animation, film, game design, visual effects, graphic design and interactive digital media.
CBC
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Mega music fan searches for forever homes for his epic collection
It's a good thing Doug Kretchmer isn't enthralled with cats. Instead, the Winnipegger is passionate about, or possibly obsessed with, music. Inside a north Winnipeg warehouse that is also his home, Kretchmer came to a realization. He needed to dramatically downsize his music collection, estimated at more than 10,000 pieces. "The main living area is 14 by 14 [feet, roughly four metres by four metres]. The left wall is all records. The right wall is all records. The front wall is all CDs. And we're talking about a 12-foot-high ceiling, so I'm surrounded by it," he said. But shortly after moving into the warehouse, he was in two major car accidents within two months. "I could not walk for a while," said Kretchmer. "My life kind of really changed. And you really rethink everything, and I'm thinking, 'Wow, if that was fatal, my family would have had to deal with my whole collection,' and where would it have ended up kind of thing." So now, every weekend, you will find Kretchmer at Winnipeg's Mulvey Market, selling off his collection of LPs, CDs and cassettes. "Knowing that some of my really valuable-to-me stuff will go to a great home where someone will appreciate it, you know, I love that idea," he said. Kretchmer's story is now the subject of a short, three-minute documentary by students in the Create program at Sisler High School. Create students Markus Penner, Gianluca Caldarola and Joshua Soriano produced the new video. Meet the filmmakers Markus Penner developed a passion for film during his gap year after high school. He is deeply invested in storytelling and enjoys exploring familiar ideas through fresh perspectives. In his spare time, he likes to read history books, trade stocks and write film reviews. In the future, he aims to become a screenwriter and director. Every day is a new challenge for Gianluca Caldarola, whether he's volunteering for local football teams taking photos or creating new team designs. Caldarola loves being busy and has a large range of projects on the go. He volunteers with Pros Vs Joes, a week-long event in December that supports families in need. He also volunteers photographing student athletes and taking portraits for awards ceremonies at his former high school Sturgeon Heights. In his spare time, he likes watching movies, going on nature walks in parks and biking. Joshua Soriano is a freelance videographer who has been working with cameras since 2023. He started doing sports photography for the Sisler Spartans. Since graduating from Sisler High School, he has started his career as a sports videographer, working with U Sports athletes and teams across Manitoba. More about Project POV: Sisler Create CBC Manitoba's Project POV: Sisler Create is a storytelling collaboration that partners filmmaking students with CBC Manitoba journalists to produce short documentaries. You can see past projects here. The Winnipeg School Division's Create program is hosted at Sisler High School and trains post-high students in the creative digital arts, including filmmaking. During fall 2024, CBC journalists taught storytelling to filmmaking students and led production workshops at Sisler. Create focuses on education and career pathways into the creative industries. Students can take courses in animation, film, game design, visual effects, graphic design and interactive digital media.
