IMdev trains Journalists in Sierra Leona on WASH
In 2014, the Initiatives for Media Development, supported by Adam Smith International, launched a training program targeting 100 journalists on 'Mainstreaming Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the media.' Initially focused on reporters from the Northern, Southern, and Western regions, the program expanded with an additional grant from ASI to include journalists from the Eastern region. In response to an emergency situation in Sierra Leone, two workshops were held, each targeting 10 journalists, from January 28th to 31st, 2015. IMdev collaborated with existing WASH journalists, Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), and media owners for participant selection, with all sessions hosted at the Kenema training center.
The training, guided by human rights and development frameworks, featured practical sessions led by local trainers, complemented by insights from WASH experts, ASI, and the Ministry of Water Resources. Journalists gained valuable information on ASI's technical assistance efforts and the policy landscape regarding WASH, learning to report on WASH issues through various lenses, including human rights, gender, politics, and development. Fieldwork was incorporated to reinforce learning.
Lessons learned from the previous training in 2014 informed the inclusion of pre and post evaluations in the program. Working closely with WIMSAL ensured female participation, while participatory workshops provided a platform for open discussions and experience sharing among participants.
The pre-evaluation highlighted a general lack of understanding of WASH issues among journalists, but post-training evaluations indicated significant improvement in knowledge and confidence levels. Journalists expressed better comprehension of local and international WASH policies and their linkages with governmental bodies. The training's success was underscored by journalists' enhanced ability to cover WASH-related topics effectively, incorporating insights from key stakeholders like the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Health, thus contributing to more informed and impactful reporting on WASH issues.
WOMEN IN THE MEDIA SIERRA LEONE RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM IMdev
IMdev collaborated with Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) to provide technical support and capacity building assistance for the Girls Education Week project. This initiative, funded by UNICEF Sierra Leone Education team, was designed to promote girls' education and address associated challenges in Sierra Leone. Through this partnership, IMdev played a pivotal role in empowering women within the media sector while contributing to the advancement of educational opportunities for girls across the country.