International Center For Media Studies and Development

The organisation uses communication to work for media independence in West Africa. Its core strategies include:

• training and holding workshops for members of the independent media in an effort to help them produce sound and professional journalism by strengthening their ability to think strategically and make critical decisions on major issues affecting society;
• building partnerships with local, national and international organisations to develop and empower the independent press; and
• speaking and engaging in advocacy to promote major issues in journalism today, such as changes in the field's ethics, reporters' and editors’ relationships with their audiences, and ownership and boundaries.

Specifically, INCEMSADWA undertakes projects that are designed to bring about changes in journalism that reflect the field’s diversity and potential - centrally, by strengthening the growth and capacity of the independent press. These programmes include:

• Media industry: INCEMSADWA engages in newspaper and magazine publication in an effort to help contribute to the reconciliation and peace process in the region. To support this project, the organisation employs the services of qualified, competent, professional, and skilled individuals in the fields of communications, information and journalism.
• Vocational training Vocational training: INCEMSADWA organises workshops and seminars for professional groups including members of the independent press and human rights institutions. It also provides support services and skills building activities to enhance the work of journalists, such as by conducting training in the area of computer and internet literacy for media practitioners.
• Internet training: INCEMSADWA conducts internet training workshops for media practitioners and editors. These programmes are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of journalists to search for information online.
• Educational programmes: INCEMSADWA conducts academic courses in the field of mass communications that focus on media laws and ethics, news writing and reporting, editing, photo-journalism, marketing, finances and editorial management.
• Humanitarian aid and prizes: INCEMSADWA provides humanitarian assistance to media institutions and practitioners as well as vulnerable populations in need of assistance. To support this process, the organisation seeks assistance, fellowships, and scholarships from individuals, international media institutions, humanitarian organisations, and aid agencies. INCEMSADWA also gives out prizes on a monthly basis to media practitioners and institutions whose works are believed to have a significant impact on the growth and development of the local press.

Independent Media Development, Rights.