Become a Pen Pal to a Haitian Journalist

The Haiti News Project -- the initiative of U.S. and hemispheric press associations and news organizations to provide equipment, support and training in the aftermath of the island’s devastating earthquake in January – has launched a pen pal service between journalists in Haiti and the United States.

On its Website, the project’s head, Joe Oglesby, said the idea was suggested by reporters working with Haiti-based Reuters correspondent Joseph Guy Delva. “The reporters told me that exchanging messages with journalists in the United States would give them a chance to share their experiences, practice English and hone their reporting skills,” Oglesby said.

Oglesby floated the idea at the recent National Association of Black Journalists and got an enthusiastic reception.

Haiti News Project created the HNP PenPal registry here, where journalists can find each other.

To become a pen pal, register at the site or email Oglesby at joglesby01@gmail.com requesting a pen pal. “Be sure to include a note of 50 words or less describing your work and interests,” he said.