The serial Award-winning journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Rebekah Awuah, has been competitively selected a fellow of the Media Capacity Building Initiative for Reporting on Disability (MCBIRD).
The GBC News journalist joins the first cohort of a distinctive group of Communication Professionals and Journalists.
Rebekah’s story on ” Cloak of Invisibility: PWD’s Making Strides Amid Challenges,” earned her an enviable slot to the fellowship, which will be certified by the National Center for Disability Journalism – Arizona State University, USA and the Blue Crest University College in Ghana.
In an interview Rebekah said: “many families still struggle to understand the innate human worth of individuals experiencing disabilities. Despite all odds, they continue to conquer mountains, climb the corporate ladder, shine on sporting arenas and continue to build businesses”. Persons with disabilities, she indicated, may wear a cloak of invisibility but in reality they are visible, changing the narrative, making them real heroes and heroines here to fulfil a quest. I believe what they need is systemic support from family and the State.”
The two-day residential fellowship will host 25 others selected nationwide, providing professional development, guidance, and resource platforms for effective reporting on people with disabilities; their lifestyle, challenges, and impact in Ghana with a focus on digital, print, and broadcast media.
With the aim of having the issues of people with disabilities dominating the media, the Organizing Partners believe that this initiative would empower and amplify the voices and efforts of journalists who have distinguished themselves in helping to reduce stigma and discrimination, as well as lead the way to improved government policies.
The training would include plenary sessions, workshops, ignite talks, case studies, and group presentations facilitated by media, academic, and communications experts in Ghana and the United States.
Speakers include, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor, Audrey Gadzekpo; Ghana Journalists Association President Roland Affail Monney, Advisory Board Member of YALI TV, Dr Felix Dela Klutse; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stratcomm Africa, and Esther Cobbah.
Citations of honour will be presented to all fellows at a Dinner and Honours night at the end of the training by the US Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie Sullivan, the GJA President, Dr. Roland Affail Monney and the Minister of Information Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. Additionally, four other fellows whose projects stand out conspicuously and have the potential to be scaled up will be awarded accordingly.
McBird is a Young African Leadership TV Initiative, an offshoot of the United States Government Program, in partnership with the US Embassy in Ghana, the Ghana Journalists Association, Arizona State University – USA and Blue Crest University College.
