By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Twelve Sierra Leone journalists from print, online and broadcast outlets have been awarded fellowships to report on human trafficking. The unique fellowships, organized by a new partnership between the University of Georgia’s Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach (CenHTRO)and the Journalism Centreon Global Trafficking (JCOGT), are aimed at encouraging and promoting top-quality journalism and reporting on human trafficking.
The Fellows were selected from a wide pool of applicants based on dedication to reporting on human trafficking and on reporting projects currently underway or in the planning stage related to the topics explored during the duration of the fellowship.
The award-winners will receive financial assistance or stipends that enable them to attend an in person-workshop and related events and for in-depth or investigative stories on human trafficking. The project aims to increase evidenced-based reporting on human trafficking, especially child trafficking, in Sierra Leone’s national and community print, audio, and broadcast media. JCOGT will organize workshops and capacity building activities for journalists to provide them with the necessary tools and information to report on human trafficking, The program will help journalists understand the context, concepts, and terminology behind trafficking. The program will foster investigative skills and support the launch of collaborative journalism networks on trafficking so that media can continue to report effectively on these issues. JCOGT will coach and support select journalists over a period of months as they report, conceive, and publish impactful stories on human trafficking.
Overall support for the workshop and fellowships comes from the Center on Human Trafficking Research &Outreach (CenHTRO)and U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. These organizations did not participate in the review or selection of the fellows.
The 2023 Fellows are listed below.
Abdulaziz Samura, Standard Times Newspaper
Edna Ngegba, Radio Maria Sierra Leone Makeni
Zainab Sheriff, Media Matters for Women Sierra Leone
Marian Amaria Bangura, Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV)
Alhaji Haruna Sani, Concord Times Newspaper
Stephen Vandy Lansana, Premier News
Rachael Amara, Nyapui Radio
Alusine Sesay, Premier News
Mohamed Special Conteh, Future View Media Center via BBC Africa Eye
Mariama Suma, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation
Alfred Koroma, Concord Times Newspaper
Erica Ruth Esther Bangura, Nyapui Radio
