LIAS has partnered with Rory Peck Trust on a two years project to support independent journalists in Libya.
The project, entitled ‘Strengthening Skills and Improving Safety for Independent Journalism in Libya’, was selected by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) for funding as it recognises the importance of supporting freelance journalists in Libya. This is the first UNDEF funded project devoted entirely to freelance journalists.
Each year LIAS and the Rory Peck Trust will select 15 journalists to receive intensive training. This will be delivered through targeted workshops and one-to-one mentoring by established working journalists throughout the year. The information gathered from the project overall will be used to create an online resource available to all freelance journalists in Libya. Strengthening independent journalism in Libya will ensure that local citizens are better informed and therefore better able to participate as the country goes through its current transition amidst heightened security challenges.
The project very much fits into LIAS’s Media School objectives to be part of creating a strong independent free media in Libya by providing access to training, workshops and long term professional support. LIAS offers journalists and media professionals opportunities to develop their skills, and better equip themselves to advance their craft. More recently LIAS has also focused on improving journalists’ ability of how to deal with the risks of working in a hostile environment, to keep themselves and their teams safe and secure whilst continuing to produce professional content.
The Rory Peck Trust is the perfect partner for LIAS on a project that focuses on safety for journalists. The Trust is based in London and was set up in 1995 in memory of freelance cameraman Rory Peck, who was killed in Moscow in 1993. Its principle objectives are to provide practical assistance and support to freelance newsgatherers and their families worldwide; to raise their profile; promote their welfare and safety; and to support their right to report freely and without fear.
UNDEF has funded more than 500 projects in over 150 countries in the areas of rule of law, media, community development, women’s empowerment, and youth participation.
The workshops will be held during 2015 and 2016, information on how to apply will be posted here, so add your name to the mailing list to ensure up-to-date information on this training.
Please click here to download the application.
Once completed please scan or photograph the application and e-mail to training@liasinstitute.com.