Such workshops have been held in Bujumbura, Kigali, Entebbe and Addis Ababa. Over 80 Journalists from private and public media outlets have benefited from these workshops and were also able to learn more about GWP vision and mission as well as its different initiatives in the region.
Over four years, GWPEA has also partnered with NBI to recognize and reward excellence in reporting on water related issues, especially in the Nile Basin. Together with other partner such as GIZ and IGAD, they sponsored “Nile Media Awards” that identify and reward best and outstanding media practitioners in various categories: Print, TV, Radio and Digital. GWPEA helps in identifying best stories and gives prizes to winners in different categories
This year, the competition attracted 50 entries and the best ones were rewarded. GWPEA prizes included a Tablet for each of the first Runners Up in TV and Radio categories. The official media award ceremony coincided with the opening of the 5th Nile Basin Development Forum in Kigali, Rwanda on 23rd October 2017. It was officiated by Hon. Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwandan Minister of Natural resources. GWPEA Regional Coordinator, Dr. Ahmed K. Eldaw handed the awards to the lucky winners who were sponsored by GWPEA: (1) Fabien Niyonizigiye from Burundi (First Runner Up TV Category ) for his story about the protection of Rweru (2) Syvester Domasa from Tanzania ( First Runner Up print category) following his story on Rusumo Project.
It is worth noting that among this year’s winners, three were previously trained by GWPEA in reporting on water, climate and drought management.
One of them is Wambi Michael from Uganda. He won the first prize in radio category. Wambi was excited about the award and expressed his appreciation for GWPEA support. “I owe this award to GWPEA. The story that won the prize was developed when we were being trained in Kigali. I got a chance to visit WACDEP activities on Lake Cyohoha and met different stakeholders and beneficiaries. I then applied technics that I have just learnt and came up with the story that has just won the first prize in Radio Category. Thank you GWPEA”, said Wambi.