|
The
Somali Journalists
Society (SJS)
is a professional
association for working Somali journalists. It is non-political,
non-profit organization dedicated to improving and promoting journalists
and journalism in Somalia.
Unlike
any other country, the Somali media lacks resources and trainings, comes
under pressure from government and under threats from warlords and
freelance militias. SJS exists to remedy this situation, to bring
journalists closer together whether they are working in print,
broadcasting, or on-line journalism, and to help raise their status and
quality.
The
circumstances under which the Somali journalists work are among the worst
in the world in every aspect. Despite this, Somali journalists have been
playing their role as witnesses and informers of civil war, draughts,
floods, diseases and other miseries faced by the Somali people.
SJS
was formed at a National Convention of Journalists, held in Mogadishu,
Somalia from 21-24 August, 2002. The three-day program of the Convention
opened with an inaugural ceremony which was attended by, along with the
regional delegates, a large number of Somali journalists and others
connected with or interested in the issues facing the country’s media and
its employees. Mr. Abudirahman Ibbi, the then minister of information of
Somali government, was the chief guest of this convention.
Despite the short period, the congress succeeded in accomplishing the
following tasks:
-
Approving the
Constitution and bylaws prepared by a consultancy firm.
-
Election of Board
of Directors
-
Election of
Steering Committee.
-
BOD elected their
chairperson
Though
based in Mogadishu, SJS has regional representations in several Somali
regions where there is a sizeable number of journalists. In addition, SJS
plans to further expand its membership base outside the capital to include
more of the working Somali journalists even in the remote towns.
Vision
Somali
Journalists Society strives to become where the practitioners in the field
of journalism turn to as their primary source of information and strength
and where new media initiatives can begin their journey of discovery.
Mission
The Somali
Journalists Society is dedicated to the leadership of Somali journalists.
It is committed to fostering freedom of expression; helping journalists
maintain the highest standards of ethics, improve their skills; preserving
and promoting core journalistic values, while exploring change,
and better serve their communities
|
.gif){kind=small}
