The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has this week trained over 20 journalists on the constitution-making process.
The workshop drew 25 participants from the local community radio stations namely: Yambio FM, 90.0, Anisa FM, 92.0, Radio Miraya, and freelancers including the state’s ministries’ press secretaries.
Participants comprised journalists, presenters, editors, and representatives from the local media houses.
The workshop was officially opened by the minister of information in Yambio, Western Equatoria State.
In his statement, during the workshop, the state minister of information Isaac Murusa Timon lauded UJOSS for the outreach training.
“I would like to congratulate the president of the Union of Journalists, Mr. Oyet for organizing this capacity-building training for journalists on ethical, human rights, and conflict-sensitive reporting and reporting on the constitutional making process,” he said. “The importance of this training is to take professional knowledge from Oyet and use it. It is vital that you take this training seriously because this will help you to build up your profession as a journalist.”
UNESCO’s Communications Specialist, Ms. Doreen Loboka said UNESCO seeks to ensure sustainable information flow through media development.
“One thing I would like to encourage you journalists is that while doing your programs, you have to use local languages for propagating peace messages and disseminating messages about the constitution-making process,” she said.
Doreen added that UNESCO will continue supporting the media to promote press freedom, and freedom of association and to increase the civic space in the country.
She said the media should not forget to focus on the ongoing constitution-making process in the country by interrogating parties to the peace process.
The UNESCO official said the media should help hold those in authority accountable for any abuse.
For his part, UJOSS President Oyet Patrick Charles hails South Sudan Media Authority, UNESCO, and Western Equatoria State leadership for according the union all the necessary support to conduct the training.
Oyet urged the participants to remain professional as they educate and inform the local communities about the constitution-making process that is currently ongoing.
He said the union is keen on ensuring all state branch offices are operational by the end of June this year for purposes of effectively delivering on its mandates.
On Thursday (yesterday), UJOSS conducted elections in Yambio to elect new office bearers in the state. Three people were elected on April 28th for the positions of UJOSS state Coordinator, Secretary-General, and Treasurer.