Ivory Coast PJ project set to get underway
Abidjan, Ivory Coast)—I’ve seldom been as anxious to start a workshop as I am this one.

First, the topic,  “Strengthening the Role of Media in Countering Violent Extremism,” is fascinating, as is the fact that the week-long event will feature journalists from throughout this region. Journalists from Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Ivory Coast (Cote D’Ivoire in French), Morocco, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Algeria, and Niger are participating. The project is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy-Algeria, and administered by Equal Access International. I am the lead instructor.

We’ve been “meeting” on Zoom twice a week since last fall, discussing peace journalism, storytelling, and the unique challenges faced by reporters in this region. 

Second, it’s been two years since I’ve been in the field working. Sure, I’ve done Zoom seminars and lectures about peace journalism for participants from around the world, and it’s been fine—certainly better than nothing. But there’s no substitute for handshakes, spontaneous comments and jokes, and chats about life, work, and family over lunch or an adult beverage.

We start tomorrow. Stay tuned to this space for updates and photos. I also plan to produce an audio story, time permitting. We’ll talk soon.