In support with the International Media Support (IMS) and FOJO: Media Institute Linnaeus University, the Somali Media Association (SOMA) has implemented the second there -day training workshop on safety and protection of Journalists in Baidoa, South West State, Somalia.
The training workshop has been held at Ducaysane Training Center, Baidoa , South West State of Somalia from the 5th to 7th August 2016.
Twenty editors and reporters (16 male and 4 female) from the various sectors of the media were the key participants of the training course. the media participants were from the media centers in the districts of Kismayo, Beledweine, Jowhar and Baidoa.
Present at the official opening of the workshop were Abdulkadir Sharif Shequna, Speaker of the Parliament, Abdirahman Ibrahim Aden (Sate), Minister of Interior, Parliamentarians and head of information of South West State.
Abdirahman Ibrahim Aden (Sate), Minister of Interior of South West State and Abdulkadir Sharif Sheequna Maye, Speaker of Parliament of South West State in their official opening remarks expressed warm reception and their pleasure to IMS/FOJO and SOMA for selecting Baidoa as the venue for the training program.
Both officials pointed out the capacity building program will play key role in reducing the problems Somalia is facing, and encouraged the participating journalists to take the session effectively.
Other speakers at the training workshop opening occasion was included leaders from IMS/FOJO, Somali Media Association (SOMA) and the media as planned.
Mohamed Abduwahab Abdullah, Deputy Chairperson of SOMA and Ahmed Isse Gutaale, Head of Training Program of SOMA in their opening remarks have appreciated the South West State for their warm reception of the workshop training program on the safety and protection of journalists.
Abukar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Bedri, the IMS -Program Coordinator has pointed out in his part that the workshop training will increase skills, experience and knowledge for the participating media reporters and the editors.
The key courses covered during the three-day training workshop included: Situational Awareness, Civil unrest, Risk Assessment, Vehicle safety and travel, Personal and workspace security, Digital security. Suicide attacks and IEDs, Security Forces and the Media, Accommodation Safety and Security, Planning, Medical: Trauma First Aid and Sensitivity related to the election time
The workshop training consisted of many packages including practical training and theoretical focusing on vehicle safety and homes; and group discussion was also included.
The media journalists participants have shared stories of their experiences and problems they have encountered and have taken training skills with which they could face and solve with the challenges and problems they could experience .
In conclusion, all the participants have been provided with certificate of attendance at the end of the three-day training workshop.