By Felecia T Jallah

Cell:0777430163/0886802264 Email: feleciajallah952@gmail.com  

Ganta, Nimba County –

 In a significant stride towards empowering women in journalism, the Multi_ Forest Governance Accountability Project (MFGAP) held a two-day training session on June 26-27, aimed at enhancing the skills of female journalists in the realm of investigative journalism and forest governance. This pivotal training took place in Ganta, Nimba County and successfully convened 14 talented female journalists from various counties, including Lofa, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh. Promoting excellence within the media landscape, the training served as a platform for these journalists to develop their investigative skills while also establishing a regional reporting clinic specifically focused on forest journalism. The impact of this initiative extends beyond just skill-building; it aims to bolster accountability and transparency in forest governance, a critical issue in the country. Under the expert guidance of facilitator Francis Brewer, participants delved into the intricacies of investigative reporting and the media's vital role in environmental stewardship. With a curriculum designed to address contemporary challenges faced by forest journalists, the sessions emphasized practical tools and methodologies for effective reporting.

 The training emphasizes the importance of women in the media and their crucial role in environmental issues," Brewer stated. "It is essential that we equip these journalists not only with skills but also with a network of support, ensuring they can report effectively and responsibly." This initiative by MFGAP represents a broader commitment to enhancing female representation in journalism, particularly in specialized fields such as environmental reporting. Participants left the training empowered and ready to tackle the challenges of forest governance reporting in their respective regions. The establishment of the regional reporting clinic marks a transformative step towards fostering collaboration and mentorship among journalists. As the reporting clinic takes root, it is anticipated to become a vital resource for ongoing professional development and a hub for sharing critical insights into forest management and policy. As these journalists step back into their communities, their newfound skills and connections are expected to drive impactful narratives that can influence public discourse and policy decisions surrounding forest governance in Liberia. The training in Ganta is not merely a workshop; it represents a progressive movement in the landscape of media, emphasizing the critical role of women journalists in championing environmental issues

By: Victoria Wesseh 

Ganta, Nimba County – Fifteen female journalists from seven counties across Liberia have concluded a three-day training on forest governance, gender-sensitive reporting, and community engagement. The training, which ran from May 20 to 22, 2025, was held in Ganta City, Nimba County and organized by the Multi-stakeholder Forest Governance and Accountability Project (MFGAP).

The participants, drawn from Lofa, Gbarpolu, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, River Cess, and Nimba Counties, received intensive training on key topics including forest governance and journalism, forest management reporting, laws protecting community forests, gender-sensitive reporting, safeguarding principles, and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

The training was facilitated by representatives from media and civil society organizations such as the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), Liberia Media Center (LMC), Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L), and The DayLight newspaper.

The sessions aimed to enhance the journalists’ capacity to effectively report on forest and gender-related issues in their respective communities. Participants expressed that they were overwhelmed in a positive way by the knowledge gained, and committed to using their platforms to raise awareness on issues affecting forest communities, especially those related to women and marginalized groups.

Liberia’s forests are crucial to the country’s ecology and economy, providing income through logging, contributing to national revenue via exports, and supporting local livelihoods with food, water, and farming resources. However, challenges such as illegal mining and deforestation continue to threaten these natural resources, causing biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation.

MFGAP, which is supported by the European Union, seeks to improve forest governance in Liberia by promoting transparency, accountability, and community involvement in the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process. The initiative engages lawmakers, civil society, and the media to ensure inclusive decision-making and responsible forest management.

Through strategic collaboration and innovative compliance incentives for the private sector, MFGAP is working to protect Liberia’s forests while empowering journalists and community members to advocate for sustainable development.

Participants concluded that protecting Liberia’s forests is not only vital for the environment but also essential for the country’s long-term development.

By Farsue Sillah 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Liberia has officially launched its 2025 examination cycle, beginning with the Liberia Junior High School Certificate Examination (LJHSCE) for ninth graders on April 28, 2025. This year, 264 candidates took the exams at Voinjama Multilateral High School in Voinjama City, Lofa County.

The LJHSCE is a vital milestone for students as they transition to higher education, and WAEC is dedicated to ensuring a fair and smooth assessment process. Jonathan Robertson Doe, the Vice Principal for Instructions at Voinjama Multilateral High School, reported that among the 264 candidates, 140 are male and 124 are female, highlighting a balanced representation among participating students.

Mr. Doe expressed his gratitude to the government of Liberia and WAEC Liberia for their significant support of the educational sector. He emphasized the importance of the examination, noting its alignment with the rigorous curriculum implemented over the past few years.

In preparation for the exams, the school administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure that senior candidates receive the necessary support. Mr. Doe praised the efforts of both teachers and administration in providing adequate facilities to enhance the examination experience. He also encouraged parents and guardians to offer moral support during this critical period, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in education.

As the examinations conclude today for junior high students in the four major subjects—Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies—Mr. Doe stressed the values of integrity and diligence. He urged senior high students to adhere to examination guidelines and strive for excellence in their performance.