The WFSJ together with United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) organized a workshop on science reporting for journalists from the African continent in Harwell (UK) from 10 to 15 March 2019. The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Further develop journalists’ skills in science reporting
- Build/strengthen a professional network of journalists in Africa
During the training workshop, the participants reviewed the fundamentals of science reporting and sharpened their journalism skills using new technologies, interviews with world-renowned experts from the UK’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and research through site visits. The WFSJ received 147 applications from 23 African countries. Selection criteria were:
- Application quality
- Geographical diversity
- Multiple media outlet representation
- Gender balance
- Freelancer and employee balance
All participants fully engaged and actively participated in learning activities on-site, and shared their experience of covering science with other participants during the workshop. The workshop was a springboard for publishing science stories based on their exposure to top scientists and new ways of telling stories, and we trust that they will share their experience with their colleagues back in their home countries.
Adele Baleta from South Africa was the lead trainer for this workshop. The list of the participants was:
- Cameroon, Anu Nkeze Paul
- Cameroon, Frida Leyina Voma
- DRC, Gabrielle Nina Mitch
- Egypt, Mohammed El-Said
- Ghana, Ahedor Jessica
- Ghana, Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
- Kenya, Aoko George Otieno
- Kenya, Sophia Mbugua
- Malawi, Mercy Malikwa
- Nigeria, Chibuike Alagboso
- Nigeria, Paul Olusegun Adepoju
- South Africa, Sibusiso Keith Biyela
- Uganda, Zurah Neetah Nakabugo
- Zimbabwe, Columbus Mavhunga
- Zimbabwe, Farai Shawn Matiashe
- Zimbabwe, Lungelo Ndhlovu