The project proposes an innovative training of human rights defenders in Uganda on standard citizen media techniques through citizen media training workshops, individual instructions, creation of networks, and constructive mentoring follow-up. The project’s ultimate goal is to create a vibrant network of defenders (Defenders Web) who use citizen media to share their local stories globally on a well synchronized online space to scale impact.
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Mbale district, Eastern Uganda
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The vision of the project is to generate local and accurate news/stories/commentaries/photos online about any activities of human rights defenders. This content will be widely shared through blogs, twitter, facebook, flickr, LinkedIn and Google+. This is envisaged to generate an online space of credible local information on human rights issues. We understand that traditional media is increasingly turning to citizen media for local news leads.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Other tools
A laptop, digital cameras
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
I currently work with Uganda Law Society which provides me with access to a unique nationwide working network of lawyers in Uganda. I also have key connections with Human Rights Centre Uganda and the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I further intend to work closely with any necessary local organizations. These connections provide me with a network of defenders and support systems which are key for the success of the project.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
The project intends to train 22 participants. To seek and sustain their participation, the project will identify existing human rights defenders who are active in the field at the grassroots but lack citizen media training. These participants will already be having a passion in being human rights defenders. The project will then build a vibrant online network of defenders as a support, motivation and mentoring system to sustain participation.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
The project would further greatly benefit from Rising Voices the following; – technical guidance, sharing materials/publications on best practices on citizen media training, linkages with other organizations/funders/volunteers, and any other planned activities to support successful project implementation.
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