AFTER an intensive four-day training in tackling corruption, local Journalists are now being armed with relevant investigative reporting skills.
The workshop, organised by the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was hosted at the SIBC Conference room.
Dr Shailendra Singh, the head of the USP School of Journalism, is the key facilitator of the workshop, with guest appearance from various local speakers.
Speaking on behalf of the participating journalists, Lisa Horiwapu of Vois Blo Mere (VBM) said the workshop will not be successful without the MASI, UNDP, and the facilitators.
“On the mandate of my fellow workshop colleagues, I rise to appreciate the valuable weeklong workshop put together and delivered professionally by the various presenters throughout the week.
“My colleagues and I can’t thank you enough on behalf of the various organisations that we represent.
“Anti-corruption reporting, as we all know, is a daunting task for the Solomon Islands media, and this week you gave us the key to deal with corruption upfront.
“Thank you Dr Singh for reminding us of the journalism standards and values.
“To MASI and your partners, UNDP and the facilitators, we will carry through with our work in fighting corruption, with the knowledge gained on investigative reporting.
“We hope that this is not the end, as reiterated by our President, but the beginning of more to come,” Ms Horiwapu said.
Lead facilitator Dr Singh also thanked the organisers of the workshop, as well as appreciating the Journalists for their participation.
“My sincere thanks to MASI, UNDP, and other organisations for organising this workshop.
“It is encouraging and good to see so many young journalists enthusiastically, and actively participating, and contributing in this workshop.
“I hope that you have learnt so much from this workshop, and you will also utilise some of the skills that we were discussing,” the Head of the USP journalism programme said.
The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants.
This is the second workshop organised by MASI and its partners, for the month of April under its current president Charles Kadamana.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
