SEND-SL Trains Kailahun Journalists, Bloggers to Harness Storytelling for Social Change

The Social Enterprise Development-Social Enterprise Development Sierra Leone (SEND-SL) has trained journalists and bloggers in Mobile Journalism (MoJo) to strengthen the use of storytelling as a tool for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) in Kailahun District.

The training was conducted under the Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone Project and funded by the European Union, in partnership with UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP and UNFPA.

The capacity-building programme focused on equipping media practitioners with practical skills to produce accurate, ethical, compelling and people-centred stories capable of challenging harmful social norms, amplifying community voices and promoting positive behavioural change.

Participants were trained in mobile photography, videography, audio production, interviewing, storytelling, mobile video editing, social media journalism and fact-checking. The training also emphasised safeguarding, informed consent, confidentiality and adherence to the “Do No Harm” principle when reporting on sensitive community issues.

The sessions further examined the role of journalism and SBCC in preventing violence against women and girls, school-related gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices, while promoting positive parenting, community accountability and healthier social norms.

Through practical exercises, participants used smartphones, microphones and other mobile journalism equipment to produce photographs, interviews and short multimedia stories. They also practised editing content with mobile applications and explored ways of adapting stories for community radio, social media and other digital platforms.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the ability of journalists and bloggers to use responsible storytelling to highlight community concerns, challenge harmful practices and encourage positive action.

SEND-SL said the training forms part of broader efforts to support safer, more informed and inclusive communities by strengthening the capacity of local media practitioners to contribute to social and behavioural change through responsible journalism.