CEMESP Concludes Three-Day Investigative Journalism Training and Co-Creation Workshop

MONROVIA – The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), in collaboration with Internews-Liberia, has successfully concluded a transformative three-day Investigative Journalism Training and Co-Creation Workshop in Monrovia. The workshop, which ran from July 17-19, 2024, brought together journalists and representatives from various journalism schools across the country. The event is part of the Liberia Media Empowerment Project funded by the European Union.

In a welcome remark at the opening of the workshop, CEMESP’s Executive Director, Malcolm Joseph, highlighted the importance of strengthening investigative journalism in Liberia. He said the workshop aimed to equip participants with advanced skills in investigative reporting and to foster a collaborative environment for the development of a comprehensive Investigative Journalism Training Manual. Mr. Joseph mentioned that CEMESP and its partner Internews are looking forward to the creation of a context-specific Investigative Journalism Curriculum, which will be integrated into the educational programs at various schools of journalism in Liberia.

“This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of future journalists and support the growth of investigative journalism as a vital pillar of the media landscape in Liberia,” Mr. Joseph said.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in intensive training sessions and collaborative discussions, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Liberian context. The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange and skill-building, empowering journalists to produce high-quality investigative reports that can contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the country.

Information Minister Jerolimek Piah delivered the keynote at the opening ceremony and cautioned journalists to do in-depth research while embarking on investigative journalism. Some of the facilitators at the workshop included Senator Amara Konneh, Human Rights Commissioner Navida Ricks, Deputy Gender Minister Laura Golakeh, Deputy Police Inspector General Nelson Freeman, Transitional Justice practitioner Cllr. Alphonso Zeon, CENTAL Boss Anderson Maimeh, IWL Executive Director Harold Aidoo, and UN Women’s Lisa Kindervater, among others.