Building capacity of cultural reporters in South Sudan
In this project, JIIM will target FM radio stations, TV stations, newspapers and online media operating in Juba, Bentiu, Torit, Kuacjok, Wau, Yambio, Awiel, Malakal, Bor and Rumbek in South Sudan. This project seeks to address the lack of cultural news programmes in existing media by training cultural reporters to source, produce and relay cultural news to the South Sudanese public. Twenty journalists will be trained in cultural reporting. Participants will learn to respect cultural diversity and abide by other cultural norms when reporting about South Sudanese cultures. The project will also provide a resource network for reporters in the cultural sector. These connections and skills will be sustained and supported by a monthly forum to discuss cultural issues.
This project was terminated for the following reasons: Implementation of this project commenced with several meetings with the Director of the implementing agency (Journalists for Independent Media-JOINME). At initial meetings, a revised work plan was agreed upon, with a budget breakdown in line with the approved budget. UNESCO also requested to know the location of the implementer's current office and suggested a visit to the office, since only contact was provided and this person could only be reached by phone and email and only responded occasionally. Follow-up emails and phone calls were not productive as none of the agreed-upon requests were honoured. A joint follow-up meeting was help with the implementer and the Adviser for Communication and Information in the UNESCO Regional office for Eastern Africa and Juba office. At this meeting, several outcomes were agreed on but even then, the implementer failed to deliver the information and supporting documents that were agreed upon. Further information from the national media owners association (AMDISS) indicated that the implementer was not registered with them and they did not have much information on who else UNESCO could contact from the implementing agency. There being no further communication with UNESCO, in consultation with the UNESCO Juba head and the Advisor for Communication and Information in the UNESCO Regional office for Eastern Africa, this activity was terminated.