Facebook to equip locals with journalistic skills

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Internet giant, Facebook is partnering with Kenya’s Aga Khan University (AKU) to equip locals with digital journalistic skills to tell their Kenyan stories.

The six months ‘Video Journalism Fellowship’ to be hosted at the AKU’s AKU’s Graduate School of Media and Communications(GSMC),Nairobi with beneficiaries attached to local media houses to sharpen their reporting skills.

Speaking at the launch event, GSMC Interim dean Alex Awiti said the AKU-Facebook partnership redefines citizen journalism where Kenyans will tell real-life stories using their smartphones to capture video content.

“Mobile journalism is a growing form of new media and it is the future, owing to its portable nature and affordability. We are excited to launch this programme with Facebook, which will sharpen the skills of journalists who are creating and disseminating information, making them responsible users of information,” said Dr Awiti.

Facebook’s strategic partner manager for media partnerships Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said the Facebook Journalism project seeks to help strengthen communities by connecting people with meaningful journalism.

Aga Khan University will perform a rigorous application process for people who will apply for The Video Journalism Fellowship. This will see 15 fellows selected for the first cohort of the program. They will also be placed as paid staff in Kenyan newsrooms where they will be tasked with producing mobile and video stories alongside participating in boot camps and workshops designed by GSMC. Facebook will also support the program by providing regular trainings on audience engagement, Community Standards and Best Practices for Monitization on Facebook.

 

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