Absi Smeisem, a Syrian journalist, has made a significant impact on media coverage concerning Syrian affairs. Currently, he oversees the Syrian file at the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed website and newspaper. In 2013, Mr. Smeisem founded Sada Al-Sham newspaper, which enjoyed widespread readership until 2019 before evolving into a successful online platform. With experience in economic journalism and local affairs, he has made valuable contributions to various esteemed Syrian newspapers. Notably, Mr. Smeisem is a member of both the International Media Institute and the International Media Federation. Mr. Semisem is also one of the founders of the Syrian Media Honor Charter.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Journalism Students

Absi's project, located in Azaz and Aleppo, empowered 25 Syrian students of journalism and media who face difficulties accessing jobs in their field. The project consisted of a five-day virtual training and later an in-person training workshop where participants learned practical skills in article writing, news reporting and other types of journalism, while also connecting their material to human rights issues. Experts in international law, human rights and the ethics of journalism led each training. After completing the training, the students were able to produce 25 journalistic articles and publish them under their own names in several newspapers. By acquiring practical skills and experience, three of the trainees were employed for three months in media outlets as freelance collaborators.

"[Through this project, I hope to] introduce students from the Faculty of Journalism to the journalism job market in a manner commensurate with the ethics of the profession." - Absi Smeisem

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Absi was a participant in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Syrian Journalists, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute for International Education.

Absi's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "My experience in IVLP was reflected in...getting acquainted with the decision-making mechanisms in the United States of America, learning more about democracy there and expanding the concept of citizenship. I also benefited from the experience of Al-Monitor journalists, especially in covering conflict areas. I also gained more experience on the concept of independent journalism through our interviews and discussions with the journalists who presented the project."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; St. Petersburg, FL; Boston, MA

Country: Syria

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