MEDIA MONITORING TRAINING ORGANISE FOR JOURNALISTS IN BANJUL

By Staff Writer Abubacarr Saidykhan- Banjul

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled in Partnership with Non- State Actors Strengthening Programme (NSASP), organize a two day training workshop for a cross- section of Senior Journalists from different media houses in the Gambia, to bring to the attention of all, the rights of persons with disabilities – in particular the rights of Children with disabilities, on Monday 7^th of February 2012 at the Catholic Education Secretariat in Westfield Serrekunda.

The principal aim of this program is to consult to gain understanding of key issues that should be addressed with regard to Children with Disabilities and also the terminology for stories on disability; the related ethics; and the situation of disability and journalism in the Gambia. The Second day of the training is to set up the Media Monitoring Network for Disables.

Liseli Bull is the Coordinator of Non- State Actors Strengthening Programme who gave background information and the basis for the collaboration with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled. She said in her speech, that the Gambia is among the signatory Countries to the Cotonou Agreement- a cooperation that was signed in June 2000 between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and the Pacific- ACP Group. She noted that the agreement emphasizes the Non- State Actors role in the development process. She said the agreement supports the participation of all sectors of society to create conditions for greater equality. “This agreement takes Non- State Actors in all its forms, some of whom are represented here today.”

Continuing, she indicated that grants have been provided and partnership entered into under the Non- State Actors Strengthening Programme, while offering that these are intended to enable Non- State Actors to better fulfill their missions and initiatives. “The programme has recognized opportunities for training, advocacy, and some priority policy issues. In this instance, training for journalist on disabilities and advocating for the rights of Children with disabilities becomes pertinent.”

Ebrima Dibbersy and Daniel English spoke about the New Terminologies and Methodologies in reporting issues relating with Disability, while Mr. Nana Grey- Johnson and Managing Editor Sam Sarr also spoke about the Background of media and disability in the Gambia, and Role of the media in promoting disability in the Gambia.