NUSOJ and Relief International Hold Consultation meeting on Media Development on Somalia
Mogadishu, September 18, 2014The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and Relief International, is an International American NGO based in the United State/UK and actively involved in the Somali media industry, held one day consultation meeting on Media development in Somalia in Mogadishu. The consultation meeting, which was held at Siyaad City Hotel on 9 September, was attended by the members of the NUSOJ Executive Committee, staff members and supreme council members and was supported by the European Union.
Relief International (RI) is a multi-sectoral organization founded in 1991 and operates more than 30 countries in the world. RI started media programs in northeastern and central Somalia from 2009—2013, by establishing the first Media Training & Resource Centre in Garowe (Puntland) and training 300 Journalists from Radio and Television centres in country. A generous funding from the European Union (EU) Relief International has expanded its Media program to southern and central Somalia and currently establishing a Media Training & Resource Centre in Mogadishu under a plot of land donated by the Mogadishu University. RI will soon begin training 10 ToT of Somali Journalists in partnering with the school of Journalism at Nairobi University. Those ToT will than work at the Media centre and train their colleagues.
The Consultation meeting was aimed at receiving recommendations/priorities from NUSOJ on empowering Somali Journalists with professional skills and techniques that allow them in producing objective, credible and quality reporting in Somalia. In addition to that, it was also designed to discuss gaps for Somali media workers on covering peace, good governance, human rights and democratization.
The Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Mohamed Ibrahim welcomed, in his remarks, the support Relief International provides to the Somali journalist and media at large, noting the importance of such gathering at this very crucial time, which the Somali journalists direly need.
“Opening another training center in Mogadishu could bolster the journalists’ capability in writing better developed stories in the quest for peace in Somalia.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “We are committed to working with you in your journey of helping the Somali Journalists and media.”
A presentation paper detailing on RI’s projects/programs in Somalia was presented by the RI’s Media Program Manager in Somalia, Ahmed Awil, and a discussion was later held by RI and NUSOJ on key areas including media development priorities for Somali Journalists, NUSOJ support on advocating and lobbying for press freedom and freedom of expression in general and how RI will be assisting NUSOJ body.
The consultation meeting focused how the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) could involve as an active partner/stakeholder wit hRelief International’s media development programs in Somalia and to identify the key priority areas to be addressed and finally agreed an action plan. The two sides underscored the need to maintain cooperation on strengthening media sector and bolstering collaboration and cooperation.