“Lets not forget children while reporting COVID-19" Plan International

cross section of participants

Plan International has organized a work shop in Bamenda Northwest region of Cameroon to train journalists and media professionals on child safeguarding and reporting during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The two days workshop took place in Bamenda church center on May 28 and 29 respectively with over 25 journalists in attendance. 

Tembeng Hedley Tah, the communication and media coordinator with Plan International stated the aim of the workshop and told the journalists in attendance that children are the most affected in terms of rights violation. 

“Children especially girls are the most affected thus it was necessary to train media personnels so that they can raise awareness to parents.”

"Children are not mostly affected by the coronavirus pandemic but they are exposed to some forms of abuses especially girls. That is why we must protect them and fight for their rights." He added. 

He also urged journalists to always report in favor of children and young girls and to spearhead the fight against COVID-19 by saying

 “let’s not forget girls and children in the fight against COVID-19.”

"Humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence," are the humanitarian principles as stated by Mr EtienneTayong project cordinator of Plan International for the Northwest and Southwest regions. 

Participants at the workshop expressed satisfaction and promise to put the knowledge acquired in to practice. "Plan International has done a great job in protecting the lives of children. Henceforth, we will put all these knowledge acquired into practice." Said Emmanuel Batuko of CBC radio. 

Plan International has been operating in the Northwest Region since 1996 and is existing in nine out of the 10 regions of the country. 

By Neba Jerome Ambe