Monrovia – The iCampus buzzed with excitement on December 12 as Youth Media Action (YMA) celebrated the graduation of journalists from a groundbreaking 48-hour social justice reporting workshop. The certification ceremony hailed as a milestone for women in Liberian journalism, showcased the transformative journey of four women journalists who are now poised to amplify marginalized voices and tackle systemic injustices.

The event was graced by representatives from USAID, the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), newspaper editors, and reporters. It underscored the critical role of empowering women journalists to bring human rights stories to the forefront of Liberia’s media landscape.

In his opening remarks, YMA Executive Director Varmah Kamara thanked USAID Liberia and the Civil Society Activity for their support, calling the training a major step in Liberia’s media development.

“This certification is not just a recognition of the hard work these journalists put in,” Kamara said. “It is a reaffirmation of YMA’s dedication to inspiring media reforms, professional journalism, and a vibrant democracy.”

The training combined theory and practice, equipping participants to understand social justice principles, identify systemic issues, and report empathetic stories. Lead facilitator and YMA Social Justice Consultant, Graziana Solano, reflected on the program’s impact, particularly its focus on empowering women.

“Why women?” Solano asked. “Only 34% of Liberian women are educated, and 74% are concentrated in informal sector jobs. Investing in this underserved group is essential. These women have their own dreams and aspirations, and this training is about encouraging them to reach their full potential.”

Participants shared powerful testimonials about the training’s impact on their professional growth and perspectives.

“It was a privilege to be part of this transformative journey,” said Inquirer Newspaper journalist Decontee Karnga. “The training equipped us with the tools and knowledge to report on social justice issues in Liberia. Watching video documentaries gave us a clear picture of these issues, and it developed a strong mindset towards social justice reporting. If more of this training is conducted across Liberia, we will have more journalists and newsrooms focusing on these critical topics.”

Tina Mehnpaine from the Daily Observer emphasized the value of the practical resources provided. “For me, the most important part of this training was the equipment. We don’t just possess the knowledge; we also have the materials to implement it. The training was impactful, and I believe it will have a long-term effect on our careers,” she said.

Laymah Kollie of Women TV Liberia reflected on the gaps in current reporting. “Through this training, I realized that we, as journalists, haven’t been doing enough to report on social justice issues. We mostly focus on politics and press conferences. This training made me see the many people out there waiting for our pen, recorder, and microphone so their voices can be heard and their issues addressed,” Kollie shared. “I now realize I need to do more as a journalist.”

USAID Director for Democracy, Rights, and Governance, Angelina Allen-Mpyisi, commended the young journalists for their courage and commitment. “What excites me the most is their next step: applying these skills to create in-depth human rights stories and sharing their knowledge with other young women in CSA target counties,” Allen-Mpyisi said. “This cycle of empowerment, learning, and teaching ensures their work will inspire a new generation of human rights defenders and social justice advocates.”

Lisa Diarsay, President of FeJAL, celebrated the workshop’s focus on empowering women. “This is a milestone for women journalists,” she said. “I trust that with their enhanced capacity, they will achieve even greater results. We pledge FeJAL’s support to connect these women with in-field coordinators to help further their work.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, it was evident that the event marked more than just the end of a training session—it was the beginning of a movement to transform human rights reporting in Liberia. With pens, recorders, and microphones in hand, these women journalists are ready to give a voice to the voiceless and shine a light on the issues that matter most.

MONROVIA – A youth-led media development group, Youth Media Action has certificated nineteen student journalists for successfully completing Strive Press Club eight months of journalism training.

The Executive Director of Youth Media Action, Varmah Kamara revealed that the eight-month after-school journalism empowered young people to improve their reading and writing proficiency.

Mr. Kamara added that the initiative also developed the professional media skills of participants beginning at the high school and community levels.

“This was a special initiative geared towards training high school students in basic journalism and simultaneously improving literacy,” he added.

According to him, about thirty (30) young people between the ages of 5-21 years were recruited to strengthen their interpersonal working relationships to work with their peers and report on issues in their schools and communities.

“Unlike other programs, Strive Press Club provided the space for young people to develop teamwork, interpersonal and networking spirit which enabled them to share knowledge and brainstorm on issues that affect them in their schools and communities,” the YMA Executive Director noted.

Mr. Kamara added that the Strive Press Club students also participated in the production of “High School Special” a 30-minute news magazine program that is aired on ELBC every Saturday from 10:00 am to 10: 30 am.

“The High School special did not only enhance students’ reading ability but served as a means of exposing our students to the real and practical world of Journalism,” he added.

Serving as the keynote speaker of the event, the Program Coordinator of the National Society Council of Liberia, Mathew Karley challenged the students to use the skills acquired from the 8-month training.

Mr. Karley said while the students may not be full flesh journalists yet, he wants them to apply those basic skills learned over the years if they are to improve and make progress in their reading and writing.

“You may not be mainstream journalists but if you can apply what you have learned here over the last eight months, you will significantly improve in asking questions or writing a news script,” Mr. Karley added.

He believes that extracurricular activities like the YMA Strive Press Club programs are smart ways to keep young people engaged and empowered for a better future.

The NACL Program coordinator who presented five thousand Liberian dollars to the best team after a news presentation exhibition thanked Universal Outreach Foundation and Youth Media Action for organising such a platform to train the next generation of journalists.

He also called on the parents to always enrol and support their children in such initiatives if they are to become productive citizens.

“Our parents should not just focus on paying the regular school fees, they must also look out for smart programs like these where their children can learn self-development and other basic skills,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Universal Outreach Foundation, Program Facilitator, Madam Bendu Getty hailed Youth Media Action for successfully working with the student journalists over the eight-month period.

Madam Getty added that the Universal Outreach Foundation remains committed to supporting Liberian youths to enable them to become more productive citizens.

“I am very happy for the level of work done by our partner Youth Media Action over the last eight months; I’m from a teaching background and I know how difficult it is working with young people,” she emphasised.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Dorcas Gotolo hailed Youth Media Action and Universal Outreach Foundation for helping to improve her grammar and pronunciation skills.

“When I first came to Strive, I used to be scared to speak among my friends but I’m standing in front of you today to express myself and thank these people because of what they have done for me,” Miss Gotolo added.

Also speaking, a parent of one of the participants, Mr. Wonder Richards promised to recruit more students for the Strive Press club due to the difference he has seen in his daughter’s life since she joined the program in 2021.

“I am very happy today and will recruit more youths for strive press clubs because it has helped my daughter Courage Richards in so many ways and I want to salute all of the organizers for this golden opportunity,” Mr. Richards concluded.

At the same time, thirty-two (32) participants (27 females, 5 males) have been certificated for successfully completing a six-week journalism and enrichment.

Launched in 2019, the Vacation Journalism School introduces young people interested in journalism and self-development to contemporary multi-media and strategies to transform into the best version of themselves wide variety of in-depth courses with cutting-edge techniques for self-guided improvement.

The keynote speaker at the climax of the Vacation Journalism Program, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh welcomed the initiative while he challenged the students to emulate ethical standards if they are to stand out.

Mr. Sengbeh also added that young people must prioritise productive activities that will better prepare them for future endeavours.

“I will share with you one story of two young lads where one wrote on the sand and the other on the rock; you are writing on the sand today and eventually will write on the rock when you utilize the skills you have learned here today,” he explained.

He spoke over the weekend at the Liberia Broadcasting System in Paynesville City when he served as keynote speaker at the official closing program of Youth Media Action six weeks Vacation Journalism School where he challenged the students to be focused and steadfast.

MONROVIA – A pro-media development group, Youth Media Action (YMA) has launched its first Young Journalists Award aimed at celebrating the works of Young Reporters.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, September 18, 2023, the Executive Director of the group, Varmah Kamara said the award will recognize and celebrate outstanding young talents in the Liberian media.

Mr. Kamara added that five young reporters between the ages of 15-25 years, must have practised for at most two years and submit one outstanding published or broadcast piece of work produced in the twelve 12 months preceding (prior to) the award’s deadline for submissions.

He asserted that the applicant must have demonstrated passion for learning, commitment, brilliance and career potential in mainstream, high schools or communities over the twelve months.

“Too often, award ceremonies in the Liberian media focus on mainstream journalists not highlighting the incredible works of young reporters and enterprising journalists which this new initiative intends to address,” he added.

The Youth Media Action Executive Director at the same time announced a Special Award Committee, comprising five credible journalists and media practitioners, along with one representative each from the Press Union of Liberia, Internews Liberia and Youth Media Action to provide supervision and support.

Those appointed to the Young Journalist Award Committee include Former Super Morning Talk show host, Daniel Ankrah as Chairman while Rita Jlogbe Doue of Voice of America will serve as Co-chair.

Others include BBC Correspondent, Moses Garzeawu, Zoquay Beysolow Konneh of the Liberia Broadcasting System, Denise Nimpson of Voice of America and Director of Programs at Voice of Liberia.

Press Union of Liberia Secretary General Elect, Akoi Baysah, Zeowheh Saywrayne-Sumo of Internews Liberia and Youth Media Action Director, Varmah Kamara will provide support and supervision for the committee.

Mr. Kamara asserted that the Special Award Committee will evaluate all entries and announce five winners – three from the mainstream and two from high schools who will receive their respective prizes in Monrovia at a well-attended gala night on October 30, 2023.

According to him, entries for the award are now open and will close on October 14, 2023, while the committee will accept entries from young journalists who are Liberians practising in any of the fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia.

Mr. Kamara emphasized that all entries should be submitted at Youth Media Offices on Gurley Street, UN Drive or via email at youthmedialiberia@gmail.com with all necessary attachments and in any format: print, audio, video, multimedia, or a combination of all four. 

He added that the 2023 award is being organized by Youth Media Action with support from Internews-Liberia under the auspices of USAID Liberia Media Activity.

Youth Media Action (YMA) is a Liberian grassroots media development initiative which provides training and broadcasting experience to high school students and youths in ten of Liberia’s 15 counties.

With a team of young staff led by Liberian journalist Varmah Kamara, YMA coordinates a weekly student-led radio show broadcast nationwide on ELBC, the national state radio station. YMA also runs twice-yearly journalism vacation programmes for child broadcasters and recent graduates.

Over 3,000 students have passed through YMA’s programmes since its launch in 2016. YMA also runs internship and mentorship programs for young people upon graduation from high school.