Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) on Monday launched a two-day capacity-building workshop in The Gambia aimed at strengthening media reporting on social protection issues, with emphasis on accuracy, ethics and advocacy for vulnerable groups.
The training, held at Metzy Residence Hotel, brought together journalists, media practitioners and communications officers from institutions involved in social welfare and assistance programmes.
NSPA Communications Officer Samuel Williams said the initiative was prompted by identified gaps in the reporting of social protection stories, particularly in developing contexts. He said social protection reporting requires responsible and dignified storytelling, noting that the media plays a key role in informing the public and amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations.
“We realised there is a need to build capacity on how these stories are told, especially in a way that protects the dignity and privacy of beneficiaries,” Williams said.
He added that the workshop also seeks to strengthen collaboration between journalists and key institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, SOS Children’s Villages, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Office of the Vice President.
NSPA Executive Director Saikou Jeng said the media plays a central role in shaping public understanding of social protection programmes. He described journalists as “custodians of public trust and catalysts of accountability”.
Jeng highlighted recent sectoral developments, including the National Social Protection Act 2024, its accompanying regulations, and the National Social Protection Policy, noting that these frameworks aim to expand coverage and improve service delivery.
He said the impact of such policies depends largely on how they are communicated to the public, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy, human-centred storytelling and constructive engagement.
The workshop is expected to equip participants with practical skills to translate complex social protection concepts into clear and accessible reporting while promoting ethical journalism that respects the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups.
The training continues on Tuesday with technical sessions led by experts from the Gambia Press Union and veteran journalist Demba Jawo.
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