Journalists across Eastern Equatoria state are being trained on media laws, ethics, and conflict-sensitive reporting by the Association of Media Development in South Sudan.
The capacity-building training that in Torit seeks to also empower 26 journalists to accurately report issues of Gender-based Violence and contribute to trauma healing in society.
According to AMDISS, the state-wide training is supported by Shejah Salam project funded by USAID to “to advocate for media space, build the capacity of journalists through training.”
Michael Duku, the Executive Director of AMDISS said they plan on establishing a media center to coordinate media activities in Eastern Equatoria state.
“Media is an essential pillar of government. The Media Development Institute created an outreach training program and an in-house training program in the states so that the journalists can benefit from the very training that takes place at MDI,” he explained.
The journalists attending the training are drawn from Voice of Eastern Equatoria State, Radio Emmanuel, Grace FM, and Magwi FM.
Justice James Alala who is facilitating part of the training underscored the importance of journalists understanding the existing laws in South Sudan.
“In South Sudan, every day, we are talking about corruption…is eating people’s money not killing people? Law is important for us to organize our lives and live as human beings,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Specialized Information Committee at the State legislature appreciated the efforts of AMDISS to empower the state media fraternity.
“We have not put any single coin, but we want to thank your partners, USAID, for this training. And thank you for choosing Eastern Equatoria at the invitation of the acting Director-General who went and attended a workshop in Juba,” Hon. Michael Kokol stated.