As part of the Kuwait High School Journalism Education Program, teachers and students from 7 participating schools attended a symposium titled "News Through Press and Social Networks" on April 26, 2012.

Abdulwahab Al-Essa from Al-Watan TV Channel, and Shuaib Al-Hajri from Omedia Advertising Company addressed participants and explored how journalism has evolved with the advancement of social networks.

They explained that in the past, people needed to pay money to view the news. With the advancement of the internet, people can now access the news for free in the comfort of his or her own home. Additionally, different social network tools such as twitter, blogs, and facebook, now allow individuals to choose the origin and type of information they receive. Social networks has become an integral part of society they noted, adding that anyone with access to social networks can gain a voice and communicate with the general public without resorting to news agencies. Through the symposium, participants gained a greater understanding of the role social networks play in journalism and the responsibility of all individuals in providing accurate and meaningful news.

The symposium was attended by representatives of the US Embassy in Kuwait, the Middle East Partnership Initiative and iEARN; as well as members of the press. Please click here to view press coverage of the event.

The Kuwait High School Journalism Education Program is sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America in Kuwait and the Middle East Partnership Initiative; and facilitated by iEARN.