The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) in collaboration with the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Thursday started training over 40 journalists in disability reporting skills in Juba.
During his opening remarks at the start of the workshop, the director-general of the South Sudan Media Authority, Sapana Abuyi, reiterated the importance of the media in amplifying the voices of people with disabilities.
“Media is important in amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. It is to give them a voice and speak for them and respect their rights. It is important for the media not to single them out and discriminate against them,” Abuyi said. “Let us not describe the disabled people with their social status. It is important for the media to raise these concerns to the authorities to ensure voices for those with disabilities are heard.”
UJOSS’ Vice President Ajak Ayak said the workshop on disability reporting will improve journalists’ reporting on the issue.
“We, UJOSS believe that journalists should learn new things to enhance their reporting. We are conducting this workshop today so that we can accurately report on stories involving disabilities,” Ayak said.
CEPO’s representative, Julius Uma, commended UJOSS and Light the World for the partnership.
“I would like to thank Light the World and UJOSS for the partnership that they have always shown to ensure this kind of training takes place,” Uma said. “This training which will take 3 days under the theme; “Amplifying voices of persons with disabilities for influencing decision making,” as CEPO we believe this is very important training. We believe that it is the obligation of journalists to amplify the voices of people with disabilities.”
He also urged participating journalists to make good use of the training to ensure professional reporting on issues of disability.
“As CEPO we urge you, journalists, to take this training very seriously so that it can enlighten you and enhance your professional reporting on issues of disabilities. We believe that it is the obligation for journalists to stand firm and protect the rights of people with disabilities and we believe it is only the media houses that can do that,” Uma added.