Between March and May 2006, Internews Europe organized 6 visits from journalists who gave talks in 3 different schools in difficult suburbian areas around Paris: Aulnay Sous Bois, Noisy Le Grand and Saint Denis.
6 journalists, either independent or from different redaction, TV channel and radio (France 3, Radio France Internationale, L’Expansion, Agence France Presse) were involved in this project. Around 160 pupils between 11 and 15, as well as 12 teachers could benefit from these visits that contribute to deconstruct prejudices between the media and the inhabitants of the suburb.
The journalists describe their daily routine and answer questions from pupils about how the media decide to cover issues, and the role media plays in public life. Teachers at the schools report without exception the strong interest of students, most of whom are meeting a working journalist for the first time.
Teachers at the schools report without exception the strong interest of students, most of whom are meeting a working journalist for the first time.
“My pupils really appreciated the intervention of the journalist of RFI. Your action was very successful. I hope we can organize some other talks with other pupils next year, and maybe set up a long term project next year” M. Martin said (teacher of French in Victor Hugo College of Noisy Le Grand).
“Thanks a lot for paying attention to our pupils and school toward your project!” M. Jeanne said (teacher of French in Victor Hugo College of Noisy Le Grand).
"That was great ! It was my fisrt meeting with a journalist! It made me understand what being a journalist means. And I really liked when the journalist talked about the countries he made reportage in : Haiti, Algeria etc." A pupil said (from Lycee Alfred Sisley in Saint Denis).
Following the success of those first dialogues, Internews will extend its action to other schools and to other suburbs all over France through the French school year of 2006 / 2007.