By Ebedi Jeremiah
The Africa Foundation For Young Media Professionals (AFYMP) held a fully funded workshop in the beautiful city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Participants were divided into four categories – Media Entrepreneurship, Campus Journalism, Women in Journalism and Disability and Social Inclusion. The Disability and Social Inclusion category which was the last batch held on the 3rd of July to 5th of July 2022.
Despite the hurdles, participants were able to make their way to Leadwort Hotel in the city of Port Harcourt. There, they were greeted with warm hospitality from the organisers before the purpose for their going there started.
On the first day, the ED of AFYMP, Mr. Yinka Olaito welcomed participants to the workshop and told them what to expect, preparing their minds for the tasks ahead.
He then introduced them to their first facilitator – Dr. Hannah Aman, who taught them in a 2-in-1 session. The first being “news, social inclusion, lower benchmark and the way forward”, the second being “media education, a foundation for social inclusion in the media industry.” It was an interactive, engaging and enlightening class.
On that same day, participants were greeted by the graceful presence of Ann Godwin; a top media practitioner and journalist who taught them on social abuse, gender discrimination, mental health issues, self awareness and self determination. This was another interactive and impactful class closing the day in grand style.
On Day 2, George Ukaegbu was welcomed by Mr. Yinka Olaito who sacrificed several hours hammering on why social inclusion matters in the media and how collaborative effort can make it work. Thereafter, Prince Ajubo made sure participants understood that every voice counts, enlightening them on how to promote diversity and social inclusion.
The two-day training was concluded with the handing over of certificate to participants by top media practitioners and journalists present that day.