From Digital Security to Field Simulations: Young Journalists Learn and Investigate at AJM’s Summer School in Ohrid

Around twenty young journalists and students took part in the five-day T-AJM Summer School, dedicated to new technologies, safety and security, investigative journalism, ethics, and mental health and well-being.

How can journalists protect their sources and data? How can they report safely from the field, recognize professional burnout, and develop an investigative story from the first piece of information to publication? These were some of the questions addressed by around twenty young journalists, media workers, and students during the T-AJM Summer School, held from 21 to 25 July in Ohrid. Over the five days, participants worked with experienced journalists and experts, combining short lectures, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. The programme focused on strengthening professional skills, developing safe working practices, and fostering cooperation and solidarity within the media community.

Aleksandar Manasiev presented contemporary digital risks, the protection of sources and data, as well as the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in journalism. Psychologist Despina Stojanovska used practical examples to open a discussion on stress, professional burnout, and self-care in a profession that often involves working under pressure and exposure to difficult stories.

Investigative journalism was explored from several perspectives. Maja Jovanovska and Miomir Serafinovich spoke about risk assessment and responsible reporting on sensitive topics, while Sashka Cvetkovska and Trajche Antonovski presented the journey from the first piece of information to the final investigative story, with an emphasis on persistence, fact-checking, and teamwork.

Zoran Richliev introduced participants to risk mapping and risk management when working in the field, Ognen Janeski presented the new Code of Ethics for Journalists, while Aleksandar Dimitrievski addressed professional standards when reporting on economic issues of public interest. Milan Spirovski presented the mechanisms of legal, institutional, and international support offered by the SafeJournalists Network.

The practical simulations were one of the most dynamic parts of the school. Participants worked on realistic journalistic scenarios, reported on sensitive topics, posed questions to “senior officials,” assessed risks, and made editorial decisions under time pressure. The group work was facilitated by Biljana N. Kalanoska, Elizabeta Stojanović, and Verche T. Kostovska from the AJM office.

For the participants, the school was at the same time a space for learning, exchange, and building new professional connections.

“The programme offered high-quality theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as an opportunity to exchange experiences and collaborate with young colleagues and experienced professionals. The school also creates opportunities for future joint initiatives,” said participant Martina Ilievska.

Anemsha Shabani highlighted that the topics were directly connected to everyday challenges in newsrooms: “I am leaving the school with new insights, practical ideas, and additional motivation to further improve my work as a journalist.”

For Miroslava Simonovska, access to practical investigative resources was particularly valuable: “The school introduced us to open data sources that can generate numerous investigative stories. The work was highly practical and inspiring.”

Through this activity, the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers (T-AJM) continues to create a space where young journalists can acquire practical knowledge, build professional networks, and respond with greater confidence to the challenges of contemporary journalism.

The Summer School opened with addresses by representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, who emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and of fostering a new generation of journalists committed to the highest professional and ethical standards.

The Summer School was organized within the framework of the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers (T-AJM), a project funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Office in Skopje.