On a bright Saturday morning, the English School Fahaheel (ESF) hosted its second annual High School Journalism Conference, gathering young aspiring reporters, storytellers, and digital content creators under one roof for a day of immersive learning, collaboration, and empowerment. CP Magazine was honored to participate as an official media sponsor, bearing witness to the energy, talent, and determination of tomorrow’s media voices.
While weekends in Kuwait typically mark rest and family time, the halls of ESF told a different story. Dozens of students from multiple schools across the country arrived early, some carrying notebooks, others cameras, but all united by a common goal: to understand journalism not just as a profession, but as a vehicle for truth and change.
The event began with a warm welcome from the organizers, followed by opening remarks by Mr. David Warner, Head Principal of ESF. With conviction, he reminded the students of the power of the written and spoken word, and how the narratives we tell can shape communities. His speech paved the way for an inspiring keynote address by Claudia AlRashoud, recognized as one of Kuwait’s first female journalists. Her reflections on navigating media in a male-dominated industry struck a chord with many young attendees. She encouraged students to be fearless, pursue accuracy, and most importantly, to represent voices that often go unheard.
The event transitioned seamlessly into a day of professional workshops led by academic and industry veterans. First among them was Dr. Ali A. Dashti, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), who led the opening session titled “How to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking.” His workshop blended academic theory with practical exercises. From posture and tone to mindset and rehearsal techniques, Dr. Dashti equipped students with tools to command attention in any setting.
Meanwhile, other workshops ran concurrently across different wings of the campus:
Photography Workshop – Titled “Capturing Stories Through the Lens”, this session was led by Hasan Qurban, a seasoned digital content creator with a background in PR and advertising. Hasan guided students through the principles of visual composition, lighting, and storytelling through imagery. Participants ventured around the school capturing candid moments, applying lessons in real-time.
Digital Journalism Workshop – Spearheaded by Dr. Nermeen Kassem, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Media Studies at GUST, this session examined modern journalistic practices in the digital age. Students explored the rapid evolution of online reporting, ethics in fast-paced news cycles, and the intricacies of audience engagement through platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Creative Writing Workshop – Under the guidance of Miss Marwa Marafie, a digital media and visual communication instructor at GUST, students explored the arc of narrative storytelling. Her session, titled “Conflict-Oriented Drama: From Idea to Short Story,” challenged participants to transform raw ideas into gripping, structured narratives, complete with character conflict and emotional depth.
What made the event truly stand out was its emphasis on participation and collaboration. Students were not passive listeners but active contributors. Each workshop integrated hands-on exercises, group activities, and peer reviews. Whether pitching an impromptu editorial in front of classmates or discussing the ethical limits of digital journalism, students learned not just from the experts, but from each other.
The afternoon featured a dynamic student-led panel discussion, moderated by members of the ESF Oracle journalism team. The discussion revolved around topics such as misinformation, representation in media, and the role of youth in shaping public opinion. Panelists, made up of students from different schools, voiced their perspectives with confidence, drawing applause from both peers and professionals.
Throughout the day, CP Magazine had the opportunity to engage with attendees, capture moments from the workshops, and speak with the young journalists about their aspirations. It was heartening to witness the dedication of students and the support of educators, all coming together to foster a new generation of ethical, engaged, and empowered media creators.
The success of the 2025 edition of the ESF High School Journalism Conference is a testament to the growing interest in scholastic journalism across Kuwait. As ESF plans to expand the scope of the event in 2026 to include even more regional schools and a wider array of media disciplines, CP Magazine looks forward to deepening its involvement. Our experience this year reaffirmed the importance of nurturing youth voices and supporting platforms that celebrate their potential.
As students left with certificates in hand, new friendships formed, and minds brimming with ideas, one sentiment resonated above all: the future of journalism is in passionate, capable hands. The voices of tomorrow have arrived—and they are ready to be heard.
