There is no better way to learn about journalism than from another journalist. It's why many faculty at journalism schools are former editors and reporters, and why in newsrooms you will find interns learning on the job. Even though they may one day be in the running for our jobs, we welcome them in large part because we know that's how the profession will survive and thrive.
The same holds true for independent journalism in Cuba. As quasi-criminals in Castro's Cuba — as is anyone who dares speak truth to power the way Cuban independent journalists do — regular school really isn't an option.
To survive and thrive, Cuba's independent journalists have to help themselves, and they are.
Félix Reyes Gutiérrez of the Cubanacán Press reports that his agency, headed by the legendary Guillermo Fariñas, earlier this month hosted a week-long workshop to train new journalists. Several prospective students were unable to travel to Santa Clara because of ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, but there were five people, ranging in age from 18 to 51, who did attend the sessions.
They are, from Santa Clara: Juana Gómez Riego, Clotilde León Ramírez, Frank Reyes López and Daimy Sánchez Gómez. And from Placetas, Alejandro Gabriel Martínez Martínez.
I can't wait to start reading their bylines.
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