REPORT ON WORKSHOP 2013

On Saturday, 26^th October 2013, Patriots Ghana Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter in collaboration with one of its partner organization the African Center for Peace Building hosted a workshop on the topic “EYE OPENING TO ONLINE JOURNALISM”.

 The speakers for the program were Mr. Korsi Senyo (the Executive Director for the African Center for Peace Building and SEMPEG Consult and he is also the chief editor for Awakeafrica.org and Ghanaschoolnews.) and Mr. Matthew Brown (the Former Secretary of United Nations Association - University of Sheffield (UNA-UOS) and Head Delegate for Oxford International Model United Nations (OxIMUN) 2012 for the University of Sheffield delegation In Nov 2012).

Mr. Matthew Brown talked about the United Nations model and United Nations Association. He introduced participants to its mission, how to apply, and the benefits of being a delegate. He also talked about how as students and future leaders we have an important role to play in contributing so education can be accessed without any cultural, financial, and religious or any other hindrance. He encouraged the participants to engage themselves more on volunteering projects on vital social issues such as education, sanitation, and health. Etc. He also touched on issues such as fundamental human rights, justice, freedom of speech and freedom of the press in journalism and how working on projects relating to such issues is good for ones resume when applying for a job. He also talked about student’s involvement in events and conferences such as that of the United Nations Associations as it provides a good platform for personal development and helps students to be confident, eloquent and develop their advocacy skills. He also gave the students the students the opportunity to ask questions and questions were asked on issues such as that of the United Nations Association, and Mr. Matthew Brown answered all appropriately. The session came to an end with an appreciation from the president of the chapter Emmanuel Yamoah and the next speaker was introduced, thus Mr. Korsi Senyo.

Mr. Senyo spoke on online journalism, and he touched on how to write good and professional reports both for commercial and domestic purposes. He also took participants through the key things to look out for in good report, flaws to avoid and standards for professional reports. Also, they were introduced to web based technology and social media tools used in journalism. This made students aware of the latest and trending technological tools in journalism, how they are used, their purpose, and how effective they are. He used the interface and dashboard of his magazine (www.awakeafrica.org) to train the participants and showed them the formats and differences between posted items such news, articles, features, events, documentaries, etc. He used news items such as those by Emmanuel Yamoah the president of the chapter and a reporter for the magazine to explain. He also introduced participants to blogging thus how to create a blog, the different blogging platforms, how to effectively make good use of a blog, examples of good blogs and sharing of blogs.

 At the end a sample blog was created by a participant (Davis Otu Biney) to demonstrate to everyone the procedures. He also touched briefly on his experiences in journalism and volunteering both on campus and after school. After, when all were given the opportunity to ask questions, some questions came from Prince Adutwum (Events Coordinator) and Castro Gyamfi (Webmaster) on security and maintenance respectively.

The workshop ended with a time of refreshment and interaction among participants and also with the speakers. Mr. Senyo assured all that he will be available for free further training and support by giving out his contact information and inviting all to apply to intern with African Center for Peace Building and Awakeafrica.org. Patriots Ghana would like to appreciate the African Center for Peace Building, Awakeafrica.org, the University Hall, Mr. Matthew Brown and everyone that contributed towards the success of the program.

Patriots Ghana- Developing the Nation with Passion.

www.patriotsghana.org

www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com