This project involves equiping 25 community members with journalistic skills. The journalists will use the acquired skills to tell stories in their neighbourhood and serve as a lobby and advocacy for the voiceless. The stories will be published in the existing community blog http://www.laikipiaruralvoices.blogspot.com and shared on the social sites.The project operates under Arid Lands Information network (ALIN) (www.alin.net.com).
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Sipili
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
The project focus on youth, farmers and pastoralists in Laikipia west district. The area is a cosmopolitan semi-arid land with agricultural potential but lack access to social amenities and security.
Members of these communities access free internet service courtesy of ALIN (http://alin.net/) through the Ngarua Maarifa Centre, but do not have adequate digital media facilities that will enable them to engage with the rest of the world.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
Community journalists will cover stories in the locality that touch on leadership, local politics and upload them in the community blog and linked to the facebook account. They will produce digital content on better farming methods, conservation and women empowerment to be screened in remote areas of the county and shared on the blog. This will be possible with availability of simple video and photographic cameras, ipods, computer and a projector
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Other tools
N/A
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
Laikipia Rural Voices has developed strong relationship with Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN). This is an ICT based International Non-Governmental Developmental Organization which will oversee the success of the project and assist in procuring the equipment and capacity building for trainers. The ongoing initiative by LRV has been made possible by the proximity to ALIN’s Ng’arua Maarifa Centre located in the heart of arid rural communities.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
It is anticipated that the project will involve twenty five participants of equal gender, selected based on their different talents abilities and interest in different fields/beats. They will actively voice the concerns of the immediate and neighboring communities.Two trainers with media experience will facilitate their skill enhancement. ALIN will conduct an intensive refresher course for the trainers to equip them with media skills.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
We shall be happy to acquire video and digital cameras with their relevant accessories, a computer, sound recorder, support to produce a simple newsletter and other information communication materials, internet enabled mobile phones and Ipods to enable the reporters voice issues affecting the community in the local dialect. We intend to organise training workshops and exposure visits for the reporters.
Contact name
Bett Charles Kipsang’
Organization
Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN)