Twenty Young Journalists Finalized Training Improving Their Professional Skills In Mogadishu
Mogadishu, Tuesday, April 30, 2025: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has completed training with young newly employed journalists across Somalia on professional skills in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The two-day training workshop, held from 28th to 29th April 2023 at Iftin Foundation Center in Mogadishu, hosted for 20 young journalists (13 male, 7 female) coming from various media outlets including radio stations, freelancers and journalism students.
“The intention is to improve the professional capacity of the young journalists especially in the ethics of journalism which is required to be practically adopted.” Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ pointed out in his opening remarks. He added there is yellow journalists reporting fake news that needs to be countered by respecting the media regulations.
“FESOJ is taking positive direction by promoting the capacity of young journalists and raise the understanding of ethical obligation, there is need for change, and we expect the trained journalists to put into practice what they have learned in future.” Ahmed Ali Mohamed Sharif, Head of FESOJ Training Department stated.
Mohamed Mohamud Adde, Senior Media Trainer has indicated that FESOJ is working towards protecting the safety of the journalists, improving their professional skills and strengthen their confidence.
On his part, Wali Hashi, Somalia Project Specialist at VIKES, emphasized that as a longstanding partner, VIKES continues to support FESOJ in enhancing the professional capacity of Somali journalists, particularly in the areas of journalistic ethics, media operations, and fostering positive attitude change.
He further highlighted that journalists are expected to demonstrate strong skills in research, investigative reporting, clear and accurate writing, effective interview techniques, objectivity, and critical thinking.
During the 2-day training proceedings, the participants were taken through the main themes focusing on: Journalism ethics, the media law, gender sensitive reporting, conflict sensitive reporting, use of social media – roles and critiques and combating disinformation.
Hassan Yusuf Osman Faray, a reporter from Radio Mogadishu, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the impactful training organized by FESOJ in collaboration with international partners. He noted, “The workshop provided valuable insights on essential topics such as foundational journalism principles, strategies to combat disinformation, and conflict-sensitive reporting. I am especially grateful for the guidance and expertise shared by the experienced trainers throughout the sessions.”
Faduma Ahmed, a student at the Somali National University and working with the local SPTV, remarked: “I am pleased to have participated in this two-day training and commend FESOJ for organizing this valuable opportunity. I gained important knowledge on ethical journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting. I hope FESOJ continues these efforts to ensure Somali journalists are empowered and a safe media environment is realized.”
In his closing remarks, Farah Omar Nur, the Secretary General of FESOJ expressed to be very pleased with successfully concluding the 2 – day training for the newly young employed journalists with basic professional skills and what is believed to be important for the media including how to cover gender sensitive issues.
Furthermore, he mentioned the young journalists were exposed with the other themes including disinformation, how to deal carefully with the social media and the ethics that generally safeguard the professional skills.
“The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) is intending to implement similar training workshops with newly employed journalists in the major regional states across Somalia.” Farha Omar Nur, the Secretary General of FESOJ Stated.
The training workshop is part of program activities funded by the EU, supported by Free Press Unlimited (FPU) and implemented by FESOJ in cooperation with VIKES.
