We trained journalists in the Togdheer region through a multi-day capacity-building workshop focused on strengthening their skills in news preparation, reporting, and the selection of compelling and relevant story angles. The training went beyond theoretical instruction, walking participants through the full process of identifying newsworthy issues, structuring accurate and balanced reports, and choosing feature stories that resonate with and inform their communities. By strengthening these foundational journalistic competencies, the program aimed to improve the overall quality and reliability of local news coverage across the region.
A central focus of the training was disaster preparedness and prevention reporting, an area of particular importance given the recurring natural hazards that affect communities across Somaliland. Journalists were guided on how to responsibly and effectively cover topics related to drought, flooding, and other disaster risks, learning how to communicate early warning information, highlight community vulnerabilities, and report on preparedness and response efforts in ways that could genuinely help protect lives and livelihoods. This emphasis reflected a broader understanding that well-informed, skilled journalists play a critical role in strengthening community resilience, since accurate and timely reporting can directly influence how effectively the public responds to impending disasters.
The training program, which ran over several days, was implemented by Arrin Social Change in partnership with Save the Children, which served as the lead agency overseeing the broader program under which this initiative was carried out. This collaboration brought together Arrin’s media and communications expertise with Save the Children’s programmatic reach and community focus, resulting in a training experience tailored to the specific needs of journalists working in a disaster-prone region. By investing in the skills of local media professionals, the partnership sought to build a lasting foundation for more informed, responsible, and impactful journalism in Togdheer, particularly on issues that directly affect the safety and wellbeing of the region’s communities.
Read more: Training Togdheer’s Journalists for Better Disaster Reporting
