International NGO, Search For Common Ground Nigeria (SFCGN), says it will continue to provide guidance and support to its trainees, including engaging with them in their communities to address potential challenges they may face in promoting Freedom of Religious Belief (FoRB) through their reportage.
The Organization has trained over two hundred journalists across the Country on Conflict Sensitive Reporting, using Search For Common Ground Approach to understanding Freedom of Religious Belief, FORB.
National Capacity Building and Training Specialist of SFCGN Mrs. Emmanuella Rita Atsen stated this during a visit to kaduna, to evaluate how well trainees have applied the knowledge, skills and techniques learned during the training session in their communities and organizations.
The Training Specialist further pointed out that, the visit was to also gather feedback from trainees, and other relevant stakeholders regarding their perception of the training, and understanding what aspect were more beneficial, and other areas requiring attention.
Speaking during an interactive session with the kaduna Journalists, Emmanuella was optimistic that the training was actually insightful , saying the outcome indicated that, the trainees have in their areas of specialty used the knowledge and skills acquired to intervene in their various localities and work places.
She said as partners in rebuilding the country, they should remain committed in changing the norms and narratives by bringing the change they needed to see in the society via their reportage, to promote the corporate entity of the Country.
Lamenting on the low level of awareness on FoRB, and the rising cases of inter and intra religious violence in the country, Mrs. Atsen, advocated that, with constant awareness campaigns and sensitization through the media, Nigerians will learn to tolerate, respect and promote freedom of Religious Belief, FoRB, and coexist peacefully for growth and development of the Country.
” I have noticed that the outcome of my visit shows you all are using the knowledge from the training to intervene in your different localities. The training has proven to be insightful and it is gradually changing norms,
“you as our partners are committed to bringing the change you want to see in Nigeria through your contributions and efforts. it may seem little, but the impacts are felt greatly, and with constant sensitization, Nigerians will learn to tolerate, respect and promote FoRB and will coexist peacefully,
“We expect you to keep doing more and to be innovative in promoting and protecting FoRB in your work and communities. Keep upholding FoRB rights everywhere you go”, she explained.
Journalists comprising broadcast, print and online who attended the meeting, commended SFCGN for the training, and appeal for a periodic training to keep them a breast with current global realities in the media.
Twelve journalists in Kaduna have been trained on conflict sensitive reporting, using the search for Common Ground Approach to understanding Freedom of Religious Belief, FoRB in Nigeria.
Daniel Karlmax.
