The PulseZ initiative made its mark in Ireland with a dynamic local event led by YMCA Ireland in collaboration with Matrix Internet and hosted at University College Cork’s Western Gateway Building.
The event was designed to engage and inspire young people with a passion for news media, content creation, and journalism across Ireland.
In partnership with University College Cork’s Department of Computer Science and its ACM Student Chapter, YMCA Ireland brought together more than one hundred participants for a day of learning, creativity, and collaboration.
The programme featured interactive workshops covering a broad spectrum of skills essential for aspiring media makers. Sessions included podcasting, video storytelling, media ethics, and AI literacy, offering both practical training and critical perspectives on today’s fast-changing digital landscape.
Workshops such as “Podcasting DIY” and “Interviewing Skills” encouraged participants to develop confidence in shaping stories, scripting episodes, and conducting meaningful conversations. Meanwhile, “Storytelling Through Video” guided young creators through the process of framing, filming, and editing to craft compelling visual narratives.
In the “Break the Code” workshop, participants experimented with prompt engineering, exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in media creation.
Complementing these hands-on sessions was a focus on critical and digital literacy, where attendees reflected on the power of language, representation, and media influence in shaping public perception.
The PulseZ local event in Cork highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the tools to become thoughtful, ethical, and creative media professionals.
By combining technical training with discussions on ethics and representation, the programme ensured that participants not only gained practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with shaping public narratives.
This collaboration between YMCA Ireland, Matrix Internet, and University College Cork underscores a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of journalists and digital storytellers.
With the support of media professionals and academic partners, PulseZ continues to provide a platform for young voices to be heard on key European issues, fostering a culture of creativity, critical thinking, and responsible media-making.
We are gratful and incredibly inspired by the joint work of YMCA Ireland and our partners at Matrix Internet Ireland, for the great delivery of the sessions, and the induction into the PulseZ community.
PulseZ offers more than a space for expression; it`s a hub for skill development in digital journalism, helping young creators refine their craft. From learning creative techniques and storytelling to understanding entrepreneurial approaches, participants will connect with experienced correspondents from across Europe, gaining invaluable insights into the media world.
Through EU Programme – DG Connect. CALL – CNECT/2023/9573146 – A European public sphere: A new online media offer for young Europeans
