Summer Universities, World Conventions, Refresher Seminars, Awards

Celebrating initiatives of bridging the world and formation

Networking, respect for all irrespective of all differences, exposures, encounters with realities, cultures and lives, acquiring better world perspectives, knowledge and wisdom

The year is 1989 and one is in Zimbabwe. The main task at hand is performance of Zakes Mda’s Joys of War as part of Black theatre campaign to demonstrate to the world the injustices of the apartheid system. Furthermore, the action that needs to be taken in order to bring about change and free the black majority and other people of colour from the claws of the system.

At the back of one’s mind looms the trip to Switzerland for the World Organisation's Young Journalist Association course at the University of Fribourg and subsequent World Congress in Rhupolding, Germany. As much as there is this need to continue the struggle to conscientize the world about the injustices of the apartheid system and bring about change, there is concern and fear should the group be arrested on re-entering South Africa due to the banned literature it position which might jeopardize the trip overseas. And given the state of affairs, many are saying that I should not come back instead stay in Switzerland. Yes, an exciting possibility and or opportunity, but there is that feeling of an unfinished story that one has to come back to complete.

The danger of being both a journalist and Black theatre practitioner during this time was real and clear, and so was the need to tell the truth and educate the public about the status quo. Consequently, one needed organizations that could give a helping hand in times of need or at least be aware of our existence to avoid disappearing without a trace as it happened with some journalist or killed mysteriously. This explains the joining of Organisation and Young Journalists Association.

The International Network of Young Journalists has been a reliable and supportive pillar in one’s journalist career. It provided the necessary links around the world which ensured that wherever one goes, there is a possibility for one to find a member with whom to consult and communicate with whether be on issues relating to profession, accommodation, directions to places but most of all the question of language barrier where one needs someone to translate and make life easier. But it has been the Refresher Courses, which have proved to be the most valuable. They challenged one to reflect one one’s day-to-day operation in line with the theories. In addition, to listen to other journalists’ experiences and challenges was priceless as it put one in different places.

The courses themselves, with one now conversant with academia and reflecting on them, were well thought and presented by resources persons conversant and well informed in those areas. One has in mind the course at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland in 1989. As one would remember, this was the time of World Summits between the two Super Powers, United States and USSR, whereby among others was the question of disarmament especially with regard to Long Range Missiles with Multiple Warheads. And of course the main players were Ronald Reagan of the United States on one side and Mikhaïl Sergueïevitch Gorbatchev of USSR the other. It was also the time Mikhaïl Gorbatchev was trying to gradually bring changes to the Soviet Union by opening the country to the outside world through the concepts of Glasnost and Perestroïka. It was therefore relevant for the course at the University of Fribourg to include these new concepts in the political spheres to inform young journalists from around the world about. 

From Fribourg, it was Rhupolding for the World Convention and Congress. What a beautiful place! And so much information! It was in Rhupolding that one met with the then Archbishop now Cardinal John P. Foley. And interesting enough we shared a table at lunch time in a forest to celebrate Beer Festival taking people out of the seriousness of the discussion at the World Convention and Congress. Then the cable car trip to the top of a cliff for lunch on Sunday giving us that splendid view of Rhupolding from above. But it was the dinner in the evening at the castle where Mozart once stayed that reinforced our friendship and collegiality. The Bavarian dancers really set the house on fire with their whips and so did the numerous dishes.

All these heart-lifting experiences were capped with the saying of Mass. And having Mass at these gatherings whether be in Fribourg, Rhupolding, Paris or Sao Paulo has always been wonderful. In fact, it is one of those events that one is always looking forward to whenever attending whether be the World Congress or the Refresher Courses. Because they are a reminder that one is not an island, that there are thousands or millions walking down the same path.  

All the places that the Refresher courses and World Congresses have been held, there has always been nights out and invitations to dinners and at times by presidents, prime-ministers, mayors or ambassadors. And these events have been and ideal places to meet people from different places with different professions. The organizations of the events and the mere invitations demonstrated how some people are committed in making others lives and visits memorable. The pictures, photos and videos taken during these occasions hold valuable information and memories.        

All these, whether be the Refresher courses, the World congress, the Saying of Masses or the dinners, helped all to go back to their respective places not only rejuvenated but with a different approach to life, challenges and the profession. They empowered one.

Finally, the faces that became so familiar with both the World congress and Refresher courses – Günther Mees, Archbishop Foley -- When I met him almost ten years later in Paris, he said 'Wow, you've grown up. The last time we met in Ruhpolding you were this high.' An he stretched his hand shoulder high and we laughed.-- and others but Joseph is the one that stands out and will always be remembered by many. At times he appeared more like a babysitter, any hiccup people will be looking for Joseph and amazing enough, like a mother, he would always go to his magic hat, perform and come out with a solution to remedy the situation and with a smile. From Fribourg, to Zimbabwe, Paris to Sao Paulo, he ensured that the gatherings were successful and achieved their goals.

Bravo Joseph and the International Network of Young Journalists! Aluta continua!