Media training on reporting on humanitarian issues and climate change

Deeq A. · November 19, 2022

Over 30 Somali Journalists and some selected Editors have begun a three-day training on Humanitarian and Climate Change reporting in Mogadishu today. Somali Independent Media Houses Association (SIMHA) organized the Media Training.

The training aims to equip the Journalists and the Editors with skills and knowledge on how best to report on the unfolding humanitarian crisis and the impact of Climate Change in Somalia.

Speaking at the training kick-off in Mogadishu, SIMHA’s Chairman Hassan Ali Geesey said the training would help the Journalist identify and report on Humanitarian stories.

“The media is the vehicle that delivers crucial information to the public. We feel there is a need to train the Journalists and Editors on how to report on the humanitarian crisis the country is witnessing now. It is timely, and we hope this will help shape the opinion and views of Somali people and their international supporters through accurate reporting,” said SIMHA Chairman.

The media training which is planned to be held in major cities in the regional states in the coming weeks is supported by UNSOM and the office of the Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

“Without the support of UNSOM and the Office of the Special Envoy, it would not have been possible to implement this training”, Added Mr Hassan Geesay.

While officially opening the training, the Special Envoy on Humanitarian Affairs, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, emphasized on the media’s role in positively highlighting the challenges caused by Climate Change and its impact.

“As Journalists and Editor, today you can support your people suffering from the continuous impact of climate-induced tragedies. You need to take the front seat in highlighting the challenges our people are facing daily, “ said the special envoy.

“You are the vehicle we need to deliver the message, and without you, we will never know the extent of the damage and how much help we need”, added the special envoy. The envoy also warned the Journalists against fake news and its terrible impact.

“As Journalists, you must always strive to get the truth. The responsibility of informing the public by offering accurate information rests on your shoulders. The target is to train over 200. Journalists in the five regional states” said the special envoy.

The group of editors and Journalists who were lucky to have been selected for the training welcomed the opportunity.

“I hope I will have a clear understanding of how to report on Humanitarian issues and the impact of Climate change after the training. I am passionate about Humanitarian affairs and keen to play my role as a Journalist,” said Shukri Mohamed Abdi, a reporter at Bilan Media.

Somalia is currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis following failed rainy seasons. More than 50% of the population needs food aid as the country also inches closer to the declaration of famine.

With this critical step of training media managers and Journalists, the media will have an opportunity to accurately and objectively report on the situation by highlighting the voices of those who are suffering from the impact of the climate-induced tragedies.