Africa-Press – Liberia. Over 60 aspiring journalists, public relations officers and public speakers have benefited from the Liberia Institute of Media Excellence (LIME) intensive training programs.
By Alex Dahn, Jr., Contributing Writer
LIME, one of Liberia’s fast-growing media institutions, as part of its media development programs, launched the LIME Learning Series (LLS), and has since attracted huge number of young people aspiring to be journalists, communications managers and effective public speakers from Bomi, Margibi and Montserrado Counties.
According to LIME’s Co-founder and Administrative Manager, Gerald C. Koinyeneh, the LIME Learning Series (LLS) is the institution’s mentorship program which will be running alongside its regular journalism school.
Mr. Koinyeneh said the first two training sessions were part of activities earmarked for the school’s maiden opening and benefited over 60 young people.
“We are glad that we have finally commenced our training activities,” he said. “Our vision is to train young people who want to become journalists, communications or public relations officers, as well as public speakers. We are determined to extend the training across the entire country.”
The latest training was attended by over 30 participants that were lectured and inspired by renowned Liberian journalists and democracy activist including Lennart Dodoo, FrontPage Africa’s News Desk Chief, Patrick Honnah, former Deputy Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) and Eddie Jarwolo, Sr., the Executive Director of NAYMOTE.
Mr. Dodoo, in his presentation, called on the student journalists to be steadfast in their studies and those that are currently practicing to always strive for accurate and balanced reporting.
“Our journalism will be of no essence if it doesn’t bring about change,” he said. Our work as journalists goes beyond reporting the news. As journalists, we serve humanity. Our reportage should have positive impact on the people and the community we serve.”
Mr. Patrick Honnah, sharing his experience with the trainees said, having self-confident is one of the secrets to being a good journalist. Mr. Honnah, one of Liberia’s top radio personalities, served as lead presenter of the Truth Breakfast Show on Truth FM and the Bumper Show on ELBC. He currently works as a public relations officer for Firestone Liberia. He advised the participants to be committed in everything they do in order to succeed.
“As a broadcaster, beware of people who will come just to intimidate you, he cautioned.
“Don’t allow them to control you. Be confident and be focused. Don’t be carried away by the person’s profile or position. To be a good journalist, read a lot and listen to radio. Find a role model and aspire to be like the person, but don’t forget to maintain your true identity.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of NAYMOTE –Liberia, Eddie D. Jarwolo, Sr. enlightened the participants to be wary of seeking information from politicians for news purposes. He said in most cases, politicians will not be willing to give information to the press, especially when the information has far-reaching and damaging effects to their political careers.
“This is where the journalists are needed the most to ask the necessary questions and do in-depth investigative reporting,” he said.
The pro-democracy activist encouraged the aspiring journalists to work hard to achieve their dream, noting that journalism is a noble profession that is important to the survivor of democracy.
Meanwhile, the school is now accepting students for its first training cycle which runs for eight months. According to the administration, registration is still in progress and students desiring to enroll can contact the school’s campus at the Victory Center International School campus in Duport Road, Paynesville. It offers basic communications courses including journalism, public relations and public speaking.
