Testimonials
Rose A. Massa on Kenya course on Sexual and Reproductive Health
It was an honour to have been selected to participate in the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) workshop. I had actually thought it would just be presentations from experts but I was happy that there were media experts who took us through the process of spotting interesting story leads.
I am happy to say that my expectations were met fully. I have learned a lot about SRH issues that I never thought were important. Media focuses more on issues that sell the paper and which bring profit at the end of the day.
However from the presentations, interesting leads on possible stories on SRH came up that would make news. As one of the presenters said, news with elements of sexuality would sell, it depends on how you sell the idea to your editor.
I plan to follow up on some of the story ideas that were pointed out. I will embark on them for news articles, as well as features, where I will be able to include more details for the public to understand.
* The workshop was held 2-6 September 2007
Richard Kavumba, Weekly Observer, Uganda
I attended the course on Economics Journalism held in New Delhi, April 30 – May 04, 2007.
I must say that the highlight of the course was the professor, and then the knowledge that he shared with the group. Professor Nixon Kariithi (course facilitator from Wits University in South Africa) has a very personable and intimate approach to teaching. In the end you did not feel that he was teaching; he was like a friend sharing secrets he knew would be useful to his friends (the participants).
So, rather than your normal lecture, this was like an animated, interactive discussion on Economics Journalism. This meant that not only was the course enjoyable, but also memorable.
The environment was great – a quiet campus with plenty of supportive staff and generally good facilities gave our small group a feeling of common aspiration – at least speaking from the point of view of one of the foreign contingent.
Of course it was rather hot and that, for a first timer in India, a little uncomfortable. But that, along with other issues like rather small beds, or the spiced food were just short hurdles that were easily jumped thanks to prompt changes or the other positive factors.
But organisers might consider increasing the length of such a course to about two or three weeks. Why do I say this? Often you felt the lecturer was chasing the clock (which was partly because of Delhi’s unorthodox working hours). In fact some of the chapters that I was eagerly looking forward to (for example reporting poverty) were only briefly mentioned because of time.
Another reason for a longer period is that you would have wanted some more time spent on practical work. As Nixon pointed out, one challenge is that Economics journalism today has an elitist feel to it. It might have helped it if the course could integrate a lengthier module on journalists observing how a seemingly complex issue can be reported in a manner that makes it good easy reading. That way, people would perhaps have gone home with a little MORE practical knowledge.
The quality of the course needs no further labouring. The material, disseminated in the way it was, passed for great. In many cases you felt that things that you thought little about were being demystified. Some things that you new naturally were placed in theoretical contexts that enhanced your understanding of wider applications. A part from the above reservations, for instance about the duration of the course, I have only praise for the quality of the course.
As a result, I feel the course was very useful. It was like being equipped with the tools to do a job that you have always done either intuitively or with improper tools. Of course, given that as a senior staff Writer, I write and some times offer editorial support across the board, I have not yet had much opportunity to put my knowledge from India to work. But I hold it dear not least because I have a lot of junior colleagues who I guide from time to time. When I think Business stories, I at least have foundational understanding of the subject.
Dennisse Williams, Jamaica Observer
"After the Business Writing course at the India Institute of Mass Communication, I was able to re-evaluate how I approached my work. I tended to focus on what companies were doing and not really look at how it impacted the average man. Also, I found that I could get stories about the way economics impacts my readers. For example, after I came back I did a story about the fall of disposable income that was very well received. So I would say that the trip was well worth it and I will continue to use what I learned."
Grace Natabaalo, Daily Monitor, Uganda
"The course came at a very good time for me. I was just a year old in journalism and it gave me a lot of insight into reporting about business matters especially the stock markets and also the economy at large. I can confidently write business news very well now. I thank the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Lusaka Press Club for this great opportunity and I am glad that I am part of the Commonwealth family."
Brian Hatyoka, Times of Zambia
"The course on regional integration, trade and investment as tools of fighting poverty was excellent. The course really enhanced my understanding of business writing skills and also how to make business news interesting. It served as a return to the basic as well – good intros, multiple sourcing, placing oneself in a reader’s shows. I am grateful to the Lusaka Press Club and the Commonwealth, and hope similar training will be provided in the future."
Emmanuel Turay, Fatima Institute in Makeni, Sierra Leone
"I was pleased to listen to the documentary [Tales from the Commonwealth]. That was great."