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UNESCO organizes a training of trainers on conflict-sensitive reporting in Kenya as part of “Social Media 4 Peace” project
The workshop, organised under the UNESCO project, “Social Media 4 Peace” funded by the European Union, focused on equipping participants with the necessary tools to become trainers themselves, capable of imparting conflict-sensitive reporting skills to a broader audience within the media industry. By training trainers, UNESCO aims at creating a sustainable and widespread impact, where principles of conflict-sensitive reporting are consistently upheld across various media organizations in Kenya.
During the interactive training sessions, participants addressed topics such as the media's role in shaping conflict narratives and the development of effective training techniques for conflict-sensitive reporting. Additionally, they explored methods for leveraging online platforms for optimized teaching and learning experiences, catering to the evolving digital landscape.
Speaking at the training, Prof. Nancy Booker, Dean of , underscored the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting as a pillar of responsible journalism.
Conflict-sensitive reporting promotes responsible journalism by ensuring accurate, impartial, and sensitive coverage of conflicts. By adhering to best practices, media professionals can contribute significantly to peace-building efforts and foster a deeper understanding among diverse communities in the country.
Highlighting the importance of training trainers in conflict-sensitive reporting, John Okande, Project Officer at the UNESCO Nairobi Office, pointed to the benefits of the ripple effect of such training. He said “the influence of Training of Trainers can expand far beyond the initial participants, reaching a broader audience within the media industry and fostering more lasting transformation. Expertise is shared and amplified, cultivating a pervasive culture of responsible reporting that permeates the entire media landscape.” He added that this approach also enables adaptability and innovation as trainers effectively tackle emerging challenges like disinformation and the spread of hate speech on social media platforms.
Throughout the workshop, facilitators shared real-life examples to illustrate how the media can uncover the underlying causes of conflicts and provide platforms for constructive dialogue among conflicting parties. Participants actively participated in activities aimed at enhancing their training delivery skills, including through designing training courses with modern teaching methodologies, learner management techniques, and ways to effectively engage their future trainees. Edward Ombajo, one of the facilitators, encouraged participants to create an engaging and collaborative learning environment that sparks curiosity and empowers learners.
The training participants highlighted different ways the workshop benefited them. Peter Wainaina, a lecturer at expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the training marked a significant milestone in his ability to effectively impart knowledge and skills to his students using the participatory model. He said, “Moving from a learner-centred to a learning-centred approach, where the facilitator also benefits from the process, is a highlight from the training for me.”
Dr. Charles Nyambuga, a faculty member from and one of the participants stressed the timeliness of the training, considering the prevalence of conflicts in the region and the pivotal role of journalists in reporting on these issues. Another training participant, Christine Magoma, Communications Officer at described the workshop as enlightening, “The training was highly informative. I learnt new approaches to designing conflict-sensitive reporting training and engaging my trainees in a meaningful way.”
