Connecting Beyond the Newsroom. For Cecilia John Akile, an Early Warning Monitoring Fellow from Wau, the fellowship created opportunities to build relationships with journalists and media professionals beyond her immediate workplace, reports DEBORAH YAR:
Through the program, she connected with colleagues from different states who are also part of the fellowship.
“Even though we have not met physically, we built strong connections through the program,” Cecilia explains.
These connections helped create a network where female journalists could share experiences and learn from one another.
Learning to Speak Up
One of the most important lessons Cecilia took from the fellowship was the importance of speaking openly about challenges instead of keeping them private.
During training sessions, participants discussed the risks female journalists sometimes face and the importance of reporting incidents when they occur.
“It is important to share your problems with someone you trust,” Cecilia says. “Even if you do not receive immediate support, sharing can help you find solutions.”
For Cecilia, this message encouraged a shift from silence to communication.
Strengthening Local Collaboration
The fellowship also improved relationships among journalists in Wau.
Previously, Cecilia says many media professionals were busy with their individual work and rarely had time to interact.
Through the fellowship network, she and her colleague Simona began reaching out to other journalists and media practitioners in the area, including those working within government institutions.
These new connections helped expand their professional network and opened opportunities for collaboration.
Building Stronger Professional Communities
Despite the challenges journalists face, Cecilia says the fellowship has helped her develop the confidence to manage issues within her capacity and report more serious matters to relevant authorities when necessary.
Today she continues to build relationships with other journalists and strengthen professional cooperation in Wau.
For Cecilia, the fellowship has not only strengthened her professional skills but also helped create a stronger community of journalists who support one another.
