The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), in partnership with the Accra-based Media Foundation for West Africa over the weekend concluded a two-day digital skills training workshop for 50 female community radio journalists and bloggers.
The participants, drawn from Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Rivercess counties, were equipped with essential digital competencies, which has empowered them to navigate in the increasingly digital world.
The training, held in the port city of Buchanan, was not only a learning experience but also a significant step towards gender equality and women’s online empowerment in Liberia.
The participants engaged in comprehensive sessions that covered a range of digital skills, from basic computer and internet literacy to advanced digital content creation, with a shared commitment to harnessing technology for personal and community development. Vivian Affoah, Program Manager at the Media Foundation for West Africa, graced the event with her presence. She delivered an inspiring speech, urging the participants to leverage the knowledge they had acquired.
“Media Foundation is very proud to support this initiative with funding from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana,” she said. “We urge you to use the knowledge gained in your various professional newsrooms.”
Affoah’s words resonated deeply with the female journalists. “Remember, this is just the beginning. Use your new-found knowledge wisely and continue to grow and inspire others. Together, we can create a more equitable and digitally inclusive society.”
The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) said the significance of the training cannot be overstated in a world where digital skills are becoming increasingly crucial, and that such initiatives are vital in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusivity.
CEMESP’s Program Assistant, Wremongar Blojay Joe, remarked, “For you community radio female journalists, this training is your first comprehensive exposure to digital tools and techniques, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your personal and professional lives.” Throughout the training, participants expressed their gratitude to CEMESP, and shared how the program had opened new horizons for them.
“This training has been a game-changer for me,” said Adama Johnson, a journalism student and blogger from Margibi County. “I feel more confident and equipped to pursue my goals in the digital world.
“The participants, now more connected and informed, are poised to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond,” Joe stated.
“The female community radio journalists were not only trained but also encouraged to become digital ambassadors in their communities. They left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to apply their skills to drive positive change,” Joe emphasized.
“I am excited to take what I have learned back to my community and help others develop these essential skills,” said Ophelia Bondo, Radio Joy Africa, Margibi County.
Fatumata Barrie, for her part, lauded CEMESP and MFWA for supporting the training, and emphasized the need for cross-country training to improve “different learning outcomes”.
The training in Buchanan stands as a testament to the power of education and the promise of a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
The event concluded with a commitment from the Media Foundation for West Africa to continue supporting such initiatives, recognizing the profound impact of empowering young women through education and skills development of such.
