By Ibrahim Barrie
As a way of improving effective reporting on development issues in Sierra Leone, Journalists across Sierra Leone have on 26th and 27th January 2022 received skills training to enhance their efficiency in reporting.
The two days training session was facilitated by Premier Media Group at SLAJ multi-purpose hall in Freetown with Support from the European Union (EU).
The Managing Director of Premier Media Dr. Julius Spencer believes that such training will help journalists to improve their reporting skills.
“These two days are going to be spent helping you hone your skills basically through your skills in reporting, broadcasting, etc. It basically has two key objectives; one is to equip you with a better understanding of the European Union what it is doing in Sierra Leone so that you can report your activities more effectively and also help you improve your skills as a journalist”, he said.
Speaking at the event, EU Representative, Juan Antonio Frutos Goldaratz said he was excited at the EU partnership with journalists in all regions in the country.
He said the purpose of the training is to prepare journalists on how to report on human interest stories and how those stories will impact Sierra Leoneans.
“It is very important for us to focus on human interest stories that show the direct, tangible benefits and impacts of what we do in Sierra Leone for the people,” Goldaratez said.
He maintained that together with the media, they will support the country with economic growth, peace, and democracy for present and feature generations.
“The EU is here to support and accompany efforts and progress with regard to the consolidation of peace and democracy including peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. Also on political and economic governance, human rights, inclusive economic growth, and development,” he stated.
The European Union EU and Sierra Leone are in partnership based on shared values such as peace, democracy, human rights fundamental freedoms, and good governance. “These are the DNA for EU all over the world including Sierra Leone and will continue to be reliable and honest and committed with Authorities, Civil Society Organizations, and stakeholders,” he added.
Goldareatez said that journalists are crucial in Spreading awareness, and knowledge among Sierra Leoneans and that their goal as EU is to make sure journalists understand how to deliver the message.
“You are crucial, you are key, you are the ones spreading the message, you are the ones carrying the message and that is why to reach them we have to first reach you to be sure you have a good understanding of what we aim to do and why we do the things we do,” he said.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (31/01/22)
