A thorough evaluation of the BBC World Service Trust’s journalism training programme in Somalia has warned that there is no ‘quick fix’ to improving the media sector in the war-torn country.

Independent consultant Andrew Skuse warns that ‘the ability of many individual journalists to practise better journalism remains substantially constrained by environmental factors, such as strict editorial controls, government interference, administration or warlord intimidation and high levels of self-censorship.’

But, he says, the project has ‘helped to build a range of journalism and technical skills that have resulted in significant individual empowerment, as well as in some cases, organisational development and capacity strengthening.’

And in his report Skuse highlights iLearn as one of the major successes of the project.

‘The other noteworthy and potentially sustainable initiative is that of the iLearn training modules. Where the system has been integrated into the emerging university sector it has been a solid success, with high usage, relatively efficient mentoring and good student use. There is potential to carry on integrating iLearn in the university sector as the system can help strengthen existing diploma and future degree courses and provide a new generation of journalists with quality basic skills training.

‘The i-learn system has the potential to be successful in the Somali context and continued support and its roll-out to other educational establishments would be worthwhile pursuing since its modules are valued and naturally fit into expanding tertiary journalism curricula.’

iLearn training in Somalia was led by iLearn Producer Nick Raistrick. The BBC World Service Trust Somali Journalism Training Project was funded by the European Commission and Danida.

Link

iLearn in Somalia www.i-learn.co.uk/Somali