Citizen Journalism in Africa programme update

The Citizen Journalism in Africa programme aims to contribute to media capacity and media diversity in the participating countries

Overall objective

To increase outreach in local media of balanced, objective and informative reporting on the situation of targeted marginalized groups including women, which contributes to an increased involvement and participation of these groups in democratic processes on the national level.

Anticipated results

1. Improved capacity of selected CSOs including community media organisations to use media tools effectively and in a journalistically sound manner.
2. Increased collaborative networking, learning and knowledge sharing between participants and training partners on the regional and the country level facilitating improved access to and higher quality of media contributions.
3. Increased presence of and access to diverse and journalistically sound content on the situation of women and other marginalized groups in the media of the target countries.

In order to achieve the first anticipated result, a number of activities have been planned. These include the following:

• Training of trainers: Country Focal Points (CFPs) will participate in this training
• In country training: This training will take place in each participating country. Fifteen CSOs participate.
• On the job training: This support will be given to individual CSOs in-house.

Training of trainers

The CFPs will be groomed to be able to fulfil their roles as in-country focal points. The training will create awareness and ability for the CFPs to use a variety of digital, traditional and edge-of-the-net media tools, media access and media skills. It is also aimed at improving journalistic skills and standards. They will be trained in facilitation, training and knowledge sharing skills. This session will also develop the outline and substance of the in-country training.

Other modules will be developed on issues like dealing with repressive media environments, data security, infrastructure and access and sector specific media skills. These will be posted on the online platform.

The first Training of trainers commenced on 26 November and will run until 30 November 2007. The participating CFOs are:

Behind the Mask – South Africa

Fahamu – South Africa

MISA – Zimbabwe

Kubatana – Zimbabwe