Imdev
Celebrating 10 Years of Impactful Initiatives In 2014, Yeama Sarah Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev), embarked on a journey to reshape Sierra Leone's media landscape.
Today, as we commemorate a decade of unwavering dedication, IMdev stands tall as a beacon of progress and social justice in our nation. Support our work
Building Media Capacity through Research, Training and Advocacy Initiatives for Media Development
What we do At Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev), we are dedicated to pioneering ethical journalism and fostering a resilient and independent media sector in Sierra Leone. Since our establishment in 2014, we have been strategically positioned at the forefront of media development, steadfastly committed to promoting human rights, gender issues, and excellence in reporting.

Our overarching vision revolves around creating a media landscape prioritising human rights reporting. Through meticulously crafted five- and ten-year interventions, we aim to leave a lasting impact by nurturing a cadre of journalists devoted to highlighting human and women's rights. A key aspect of our strategy involves training trainers and ensuring the continuity and sustainability of our impactful initiatives.

Operating in Sierra Leone since our inception, IMdev has deeply embedded itself in local communities through strategic partnerships. Our media collaborations reach an impressive 3.1 million Sierra Leoneans weekly, representing half the country's population. Our operational footprint covers all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, and our commitment to professionalism, free from political affiliations, sets us apart in our pursuit of media development.
Capacity Building Capacity building lies at the heart of IMdev's mission. We believe in empowering journalists and media professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to excel in their roles. Through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, we equip individuals with the tools to produce high-quality journalism that upholds ethical standards and promotes human rights.
Research IMdev conducts rigorous research to understand and address pressing issues affecting Sierra Leone's media landscape and development programs. Our findings inform evidence-based interventions and policy recommendations, ensuring impactful outcomes.
Advocacy We advocate for media freedom, human rights, and gender equality through strategic partnerships and engagement with key stakeholders. IMdev amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and champions policy reforms to create an enabling environment for independent journalism and sustainable development.
Visibility IMdev enhances the visibility of critical issues through multimedia campaigns, strategic communications, and partnerships with local and international media organizations. Our efforts raise awareness, spark dialogue, and drive social change on issues ranging from health accountability to gender-based violence.
Our Success Stories
ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS! Accountability in journalism is not just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of ethical reporting, especially in contexts where vulnerable populations, such as children, are at the forefront of news coverage. At IMdev, we recognize that fostering a culture of accountability within local media outlets is paramount to ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are heard and their rights protected. We understand that accountability extends beyond merely holding those in power to task; it also involves ensuring that journalists themselves are accountable for their reporting practices, particularly in delicate and challenging situations.

Through our dedicated efforts in capacity building, we strive to equip local journalists with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to navigate complex reporting landscapes with integrity and professionalism. This involves providing training on ethical child rights reporting and imparting practical tools for conducting thorough investigations while upholding journalistic standards. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning, encouraging journalists to critically assess their work and address any shortcomings in their reporting practices.

Our journey towards enhancing accountability in media is fueled by the unwavering support of our donors and development partners who share our commitment to ethical journalism and human rights. Together, we recognize that fostering accountability within local news organizations is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in building resilient communities and promoting democratic values. By empowering journalists to report ethically, even in the most chaotic and dangerous situations, we contribute to the advancement of human rights and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children.

Global Media Monitoring Project In partnership with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), data was collected through the collective voluntary effort of hundreds of organizations including gender and media activists, grassroots communication groups, academics and students of communication, media professionals, journalists associations, alternative media networks and church groups.
The Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) is the world’s longest-running and most extensive research on gender in the news media. It seeks to monitor women’s presence in their national news whether on radio, television or print. Read More
Utilizing Listener Groups for Effective Community Message Delivery in Sierra Leone Listener groups have emerged as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing community engagement and ensuring effective message delivery in Sierra Leone. These groups serve as conduits for gathering feedback on radio programs, assessing their relevance to local communities, and monitoring broadcast schedules to hold radio stations accountable.

Formation and Composition: Each listener group comprises six members carefully selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the community. With a total of 180 listener group members spread across the country, this network facilitates comprehensive coverage and representation.

Purpose and Functionality: The primary objective of listener groups is to provide valuable feedback on radio programming. By evaluating the content's alignment with community needs and interests, these groups contribute to enhancing program quality and relevance. Additionally, they play a crucial role in monitoring broadcast schedules, ensuring timely dissemination of information and holding radio stations accountable for adhering to their commitments.

Benefits and Impact: The establishment of listener groups has yielded numerous benefits for both broadcasters and communities in Sierra Leone. Radio stations gain valuable insights into audience preferences and concerns, enabling them to tailor their content accordingly. Meanwhile, communities receive access to programming that resonates with their realities and addresses their specific needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and inclusivity.
Empowering Youth Through Showcasing Youth Led Successes - NYC In 2014, the Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev) with support from the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was engaged to roll out a four-month initiative to empower youths through showcasing youth led initiatives and successes. Implementation of the project took place from September 2014 to January 2015. The project specifically targeted Sierra Leonean youths within the age bracket 15-35 years. It specifically focused on youths with talents and innovative ideas that lead to self-employment and employment creation. This includes female young persons that do not usually have the opportunity to be heard.
Meetups IMdev pioneered two WhatsApp groups and a Facebook page to promote ethical child reporting. These online communities have evolved into regulated meetups, significantly enhancing the quality of ethical child rights reporting on social media.
Success Indicators Measuring our impact is integral to our commitment to transparency and accountability. Our success indicators provide a comprehensive overview of the outcomes and milestones that guide our assessment of progress towards our mission. Explore the key metrics that enable us to evaluate the effectiveness of our initiatives and the positive change we strive to bring about:
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