Ten students from the Department of English Literature Journalism & Mass Communication, Kibabii University have been shortlisted for a one-year mentorship program by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television. IAWRT has in the past five years mentored over 100 female journalism students from different universities across the country.
The Fifth Edition of the Program that is sponsored by United States Embassy in Kenya was officially launched on 21st October at a one-day event held at Ciala Hotels in Kisumu, an event that brought together 20 young female journalism students from Kibabii and Maseno Universities.
Andrew Veveiros, Press Officer of the US Embassy stated that it’s unfortunate that in 2022, female journalists in Kenya still face impediments in the Newsroom hence the need for the mentorship Program as a way of equipping them while still in school.
Speaking at the launch, Director Media Council of Kenya Mr. Victor Bwire stated that the program is aimed at encouraging growth and motivation, improve productivity and engagement as well as facilitate linkages between the participants and collective identity of young female media students in Kenya.
IWART chairperson Ms. Josphine Karani said that the aim of the programme is to empower women in the media and to support them in developing their skills, competencies and networks by connecting them with other women from the sector who are ready to serve as peers and mentors.
In his remarks, Kibabii University’s Head of Department Dr. Joseph Musungu also retaliated the need for young female journalism students to sharpen the skills and knowledge in order to explore their potential into the media sector.
For a period of one year, the mentees are expected to coordinate with their mentors to work on their personal and professional development goals, exchange knowledge and skills and to explore mentorship as a model of development.
In attendance were Dr. Kennedy Simiyu, a Lecturer at the Department and Ms. Deborah Kisongochi, a Senior Technologist at Kibabii University among others.
