The inaugural cohort of the Solutions Journalism Plus training programme has successfully concluded its six-week intensive training, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering impactful and solutions-oriented journalism in West Africa. Over the course of 18 days and 36 hours of rigorous training, participants from various parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria, were deeply immersed in the principles and practices of solutions journalism. The training was jointly organized by my media innovation company, AbitoCitta (https://abitocitta.com/) and Initiative for Sound Education Relationship & Health (ISERH) a West Africa focused non-governmental organization. (https://ius.iserh.org/about.php)
The training program has been a story of profound impact and tangible results. Participants were engaged in a series of enlightening conversations, discussions, and activities that not only enhanced their journalistic skills but also broadened their perspectives on addressing social issues through solutions-oriented reporting.
Elizabeth Carr, one of the participants, created a compelling video that detailed the impact of each training session. Her video captured the essence of the training highlighting the key takeaways from each session, emphasizing the practical application of solutions journalism principles in real-world contexts.
Abdulazeez Isah Bagwai, another participant, made a remarkable debut with his story for Solutions Paper, exemplifying the skills and knowledge acquired during the training. His story was a testament to the power of solutions journalism in shedding light on effective responses to social challenges.
For 18 days and 36 hours, participants were engaged in an intensive learning process that included a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises. They were baptized with the ethos of solutions journalism, delving into conversations and activities designed to foster a deep understanding of how to identify and report on solutions that address critical issues in their communities.
The training brought together a diverse group of journalists and content creators from different parts of West Africa, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. This diversity added depth to the discussions and activities, enabling participants to learn from each other’s unique perspectives and backgrounds. Despite their varied origins, the participants were unified by a common purpose: to enhance their journalistic practices and contribute to positive change through solutions journalism.
Reflecting on the training, many participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to solutions journalism. “The training has been transformative. It has equipped me with the skills and confidence to produce stories that not only inform but also inspire and drive change,” said Uju Ossai, one of the cohort members.
Another participant, Gloria Luka, shared, “The sessions were enlightening and the practical exercises were invaluable. I am excited to apply what I have learned to my work and contribute to a more solutions-focused media landscape.”
As the first cohort of the Solutions Journalism Plus training programme comes to a close, the participants are poised to make a significant impact in their respective fields. The knowledge and skills they have acquired over the past six weeks will enable them to produce high-quality, solutions-oriented journalism that can drive meaningful change in their communities.
The successful conclusion of this training program is a testament to the power of solutions journalism and its potential to transform the media landscape in West Africa and beyond. As the participants embark on the next steps of their journey, they carry with them the tools and inspiration to continue telling impactful stories that highlight effective solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.