LMC/JHR Social Media Training Impacts University Students
By Laura Golakeh
Monrovia, Liberia/ January 28, 2012

Journalists for Human Rights (jhr) and the Liberia Media Center (LMC) under the “Good Governance through Strengthened Media” project this week held a three day workshop for students of Journalism from the African Methodist Episcopal University, United Methodist University and the University of Liberia. According to the Workshop Facilitator, Yeama Thompson, the training will build the capacity of students in ICT to enable them promote human rights and good governance through the usage of social media.

Students attending the workshop expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing the opportunity to expand their horizon in ICT and social media.

One female student from the University of Liberia said until the workshop she didn't even know about social media. “I am happy that through the workshop I can use the internet to effectively communicate as a student of Journalism and become part of the social media circle,” says Naomi Falika of the United Methodist University.

Another student from the University of Liberia, Princess Kollie, said the workshop has widened her understanding of social media. “I have now come to appreciate the use of social media, especially tools like Facebook and Twitter, and even blogging.” Ms. Kollie said.

Speaking at the end of the workshop, the students thanked the organizers and promised to apply what they learned in their daily life as students of Journalism. They also asked for another opportunity to learn about ICT and social media.

JHR and LMC have been training students for the past three years in Liberia. Jhr in fact has a trainer based at the University of Liberia who will train students to report human rights and good governance issues in Liberia. The trainer will also develop a human rights curriculum for the University that will be incorporated in its academic programs.