A media group, Journalists Network On Disability Reporting (JNDR), has been formally launched in Liberia by AIFO.
AIFO is a not-for-profit health development institution that creates opportunities for persons affected by leprosy, disability and women and children, not to mention segments of impoverished and vulnerable groups in the nation.
The emergence of the Journalists Network On Disability Reporting, voiced the Coordinator of the network and news reporter at ELBC, Emmanuel Kollie (in a PowerPoint presentation on the network’s goals, mission, objectives and activities), is meant to enhance the reportage of journalists on issues related to the plight of people with disability, create awareness and understanding of disability matters, thus show-casing experiences and accomplishments of people with disability in society.
According to Kollie, the launch of the network is also aimed at boosting the reporting and quantity of media coverage on persons with disability, increase public awareness and change the narrative and comprehension of various disabilities.
He explained that the network aims to promote inclusiveness in reporting by encouraging newsmen to adopt inclusive language, perspectives and coverage of disability-related stories.
The network’s coordinator in his presentation, said the Journalists Network On Disability Reporting, as part of its task, will challenge misconceptions, refute stereotypes, and advocate for change through well-researched and empathetic reporting.
The network, he further disclosed, will amplify the unheard voices of individuals with disability, that is, by providing them with platform to directly share their stories, experiences and insights, while at the same time facilitating networking amongst journalists with profound interest in disability reporting, enabling the exchange of best practices and resources, among others.
Kollie further stated that the network envisions a media landscape where disability issues are holistically and responsibly covered, contributing to a society that respects and values the rights and contributions of people with disability.
He called for the concretization of ties between AIFO and the network—if the network is to achieve its desired goals, mission, objectives and activities. “This is a very huge task on the part of us all—to ensure it becomes a reality,” Kollie admonished.
The official launch of the Journalists Network on Disability Reporting was performed by the Press Union of Liberia’s Assistant Secretary General, Akoi M. Baysah.
Baysah hailed AIFO and partners for making the launch of the Journalists Network on Disability Reporting a dream come true in the country, and pledged the Press Union’s fullest support to the leadership of the network as it carries out its professional duties in show-casing the plight of people with disability in Liberia.
In attendance at the launch of the Journalists Network on Disability Reporting were a proxy of the Chairperson/Executive Director of the NCD, ALICOR Head of Secretariat, FeJAL, CEMESP, a representative of the Reporters’ Association of Liberia (RAL), as well as a cross-section of print and electronic journalists.
In remarks, Peter Flomo, President of the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled, said his entity is overwhelmed to be a part of the launch of the network, which will amplify the voice and plight of people living with disability across the nation.
He extolled AIFO for its support to the JNDR, describing it as an eye-opener of people living with disability void of politics.
Also speaking at the launch of the network on behalf of his boss, was Jefferson Massah, Senior Advisor, USAID Media Activity, Internews in Liberia, who challenged members of the network to ensure that the cardinal objectives of the body are achieved by using cost effective means to meet the benchmark of AIFO.
He said the launch of the product, Journalists Network on Disability Reporting, was a result of three years of intensive engagement with his office and AIFO. “After we got a project for Sub-Saharan Africa that covers Liberia, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Tanzania, we intended to amplify issues in these countries affecting people with disability,” Massah, Senior Advisor, said.
Massah entreated members of the network to strive to change the narrative of their reportage on people with disability in Liberia and to refrain from using terminologies in their reportage which label people with disability as “crippled” and “outcast” in society.
In brief closing remarks, AIFO Project Officer, Luther S. Mendin, committed his organization’s full support to the network, and noted that the next step is to have same registered with the relevant body of government to give it the legal tooth to bite and champion the cause of people with disability in Liberia.
The formal launch of the Journalists Network on Disability Reporting was convened on August 10, 2023 at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship Center, 9th Street, and was organized by AIFO, in collaboration with dkt-Liberia, LLC, Internews, SIDA, NCD, NUOD and partners.
