PUNTLAND: MAP CONCLUDES A 5-DAY JOURNALIST COLLOQUIUM ON INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, 19 – 23 MARCH 2017

March 24, 2017

Garowe; The 5 – day Investigative Journalism training organized by the Media Association of Puntland, MAP concluded on March 23, 2017 at the New-Rays Hotel conference Hall, Garowe Puntland capital, with the distribution of certificates to the 30 trainees which include 8 females.

The training inquired into the practices as well as components on investigative journalism based on the existing resources such as “UNESCO’s Story-based inquiry: a manual for investigative journalists” and the “Global investigative journalism casebook”.

The ‘’raison d’etre’’ MAP crafted this training for journalists was to equip local Journalists with vital skills to enhance them on Investigative journalism with a special focus on governments accountability as well as to create a regional platform for Puntland journalists to share experiences and best practices on the promotion investigative Journalism.

Speaking on the closing occasion, course facilitator, TAYO executive Director, Mohamed Ibrahim Ustaadi said, “Such a sensitive academic course is very helpful to practitioners of journalism to get an idea of the subject. Investigative journalism matters because of its many contributions to democratic governance. Its role can be understood in contributing to democracy by nurturing an informed citizenry, the fact that Information is a vital resource to empower a vigilant public that ultimately holds government accountable through participation”.

Though the 5 days’ period was short, the trainees could learn sufficient knowledge about investigative Journalism during the course as they are very keen and interested in it, he added.

The course Facilitator also appreciated the trainees for their enthusiasm in taking part in the investigative Journalism course.

On behalf of the trainees, Umu Khayr and Soomane spoke about the training and asserted that it was satisfactory. They appealed to the MAP to organize such program in the future too.

‘’Thank you Mr. Ustaadi for the great work and teachings during the 5-day training, and thanks to the entire participants for their great participation what I wait to see is your adaptations of the skills gained by producing quality reliable investigative reports, now that we all know investigative journalism makes the government accountable by publishing information about issues that are of public interest, let’s take the skills to our respective news rooms”, Said MAP chair Faisal Khalif at his final remarks of the occasion.

Later, MAP chair and other dignitaries in the function gave away the certificates to the trainees.

Journalists continued to get into trouble with the government for inquiring about corruption denouncing poor governance, or criticizing repressive media laws. In that regard, MAP introduces Investigative Journalism with the intention to expose corruption, enhance transparency and make officials accountable to the people.

The NED supported project was a 1-year undertaking and has successfully conducted media trainings, media stakeholder meetings and advocacy as part of MAP’s effort to improve the capacity of the Puntland media sector and promote freedom of expression in Puntland.

The Media Association of Puntland (MAP) acknowledges and backs the believe that corruption undermines development, depriving citizens of real opportunities to improve their lives and in turn the communities in which they live. Revealing corruption will improve the performance of government institutions and make the government a catalyst for development.

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