By Mohamed Adow,
Jan 27, 2017(Nyamilepedia) —– The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has conducted a training for Juba-based journalists, in an attempt to upscale their expertise, mainly in development and peace agenda.
Speaking during the two-day training, JMEC Deputy Chair Amb. Lt. Gen Augostino Njoroge in Juba, said the media, especially in a country fractured by conflicts, has the power to challenge misperceptions and promote tolerance among communities.
“The use of the media as a tool for development in the various fields cannot be overstated especially in a young nation such as South Sudan,” Amb Njoroge said.
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“Journalists are the link between government and policy makers, and the people. You journalists are the means through which people can communicate with the government and vice versa. For effective development to take place, it must be a two-way communication,” he said.
As such, he said, media in South Sudan should champion peace-building efforts and build confidence among various parties.
The training was done in conjunction with the Ebony Center for Strategic Studies.
Amb Njoroge said as a nation struggling to shape a peaceful future, South Sudan needs vibrant media that recognizes the importance of development by ensuring that participation and democracy is upheld among all citizens.
“Developing countries like South Sudan face various problems in the struggle to make progress in eliminating poverty, illiteracy, diseases, inadequate agricultural practices, lack of adequate infrastructure, poor social services, lack of political tolerance and good governance, conflict resolution and gender inequality,” he said.
“The media has the potential to act as an extension of democratic practices, offering a venue for non-violent dialogue, an outlet to present different perspectives and initiate discussion on sensitive discussions,”
At least 30 journalists from various media outlets have participated in the training, which ended yesterday. The contents of the Peace Agreement as signed between parties in South Sudan were some of the subjects covered in the training.
“Let us all therefore take the responsibility for ensuring that peace and development of South Sudan is achieved by working together.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact comms@jmecsouthsudan.org
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