By Precious D. Freeman
The Editorial department of the Inquirer Newspaper concluded a one-day successful refresher workshop aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its reporters over the weekend.
Held in the institution’s bustling newsroom, the seminar brought together a diverse group of participants, including reporters, layout personnel, the Managing Editor, and several facilitators dedicated to the craft of journalism aimed at tagging credibility to reporters’ work and attitude.
Making remarks during the workshop, one of the facilitators, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, expressed gratitude to Managing Editor Winnie Saywah-Jimmy for organizing the event, which he viewed as a critical opportunity for professional development.
Sengbeh emphasized the importance of mentorship in journalism, particularly in the wake of the passing of Philip N. Wesseh, alias “The Gina.”
He noted, “Since the death of Mr. Wesseh, the Inquirer has continued to thrive because of the strong foundation he laid and the legacy he left behind.”
Sengbeh reflected on the significance of legacy in journalism, stating, “Everyone will die, and when we are gone, the legacy we leave behind matters.”
He praised Madam Saywah-Jimmy for choosing local facilitators, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing homegrown talents rather than seeking assistance from abroad.
“Your decision to call upon local expertise to educate your staff is commendable,” he said, urging the reporters to support their Managing Editor.
In his promise to the Inquirer team, Sengbeh offered ongoing support, stating, “You can call me anytime you need guidance. I am willing to give my all to this noble institution as this is my biggest honor since I began mentoring and offering knowledge to individuals and institutions in and out of Liberia.”
His remarks resonated with the audience, reinforcing the workshop’s goal of creating a collaborative and supportive environment within the newsroom.
Managing Editor Saywah-Jimmy later addressed the participants, explaining her motivation for organizing the workshop and refresher from time to time for her staff.
“I’ve noticed that the profession today has been polluted,” she said, lamenting the decline of mentorship and the reluctance of younger journalists to learn from their predecessors.
“I wanted to nurture my team, so they can develop the skills to stand on their own and potentially become leaders in this field,” she added, sharing her personal journey from reporter to Managing Editor, a transition prompted by the trust and mentorship of Mr. Wesseh and her ability to pay attention and aim for a goal.
Madam Saywah-Jimmy emphasized the seriousness of the journalism profession, stating, “Being a journalist requires focus, dedication, and respect. It is not a playful endeavor and one that must be tackled from the entry level if the profession is to regain the public trust and its own respect as the fourth estate.”
She expressed hope that the lessons learned during the workshop would be integrated into the reporters’ daily work, fostering a culture of excellence at the Inquirer.
The workshop featured several key topics, including “How to Write a Catchy Editorial,” “Knowledge Management and Information Sharing,” “News Editing and Headline Framing,” and “News Gathering and Reporting.”
These sessions were designed to equip the reporters with practical skills that could immediately enhance their journalistic practices.
Another facilitator, Mr. David Dahn, who also serves as an Editor at the Inquirer, encouraged the participants to follow in their boss’s footsteps noting, “This field is about passion. If you don’t love journalism, it’s difficult to succeed.”
Mr. Dahn’s words resonated with many, serving as a reminder of the dedication required to thrive in journalism.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their appreciation for the management’s efforts in providing such valuable training.
Many vowed to apply what they had learned, recognizing the significance of continuous improvement in their work.
“Thank you to the management for this opportunity. We promise to implement the skills and knowledge gained during this training to enhance our journalism,” contributor Decontee Karnga, once a mentee under the Internews project stated on behalf of the group.
The Inquirer Newspaper, an independent daily publication based in Monrovia, is known for its commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence.
The organization’s proactive approach to staff development through initiatives like this workshop reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards in journalism.
As the Inquirer continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape, the success of this refresher workshop underscores the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a culture of learning within the newsroom, ensuring that the legacy of respected leaders like PNW endures for future generations of journalists.
