Ibrahim Popay

____End of Investigative Reporting Fellowship on Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱

It was a golden opportunity to be among the 30 credible journalists shortlisted for this year’s Investigative Reporting Fellowship with BBC Media Action Sierra Leone, supported by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.

Throughout the fellowship, I was exposed to advanced investigative tools and techniques that significantly enhanced my skills in uncovering stories within Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.

Interestingly, my team and I pitched an outstanding idea to investigate issues surrounding --- Sierra Leone’s largest inland lake. The idea was well-received and supported by BBC Media Action, giving us the opportunity to explore critical environmental and community concerns around the lake.

As the fellowship concludes, I wish to express my profound appreciation to BBC Media Action, GIZ, and the European Union for their continuous support throughout our investigative projects. Our stories would not have been possible without the invaluable mentorship of our trainer, , Senior Investigative Journalist and Producer for BBC Africa Eye, whose guidance made this journey a truly transformative experience.

Special thanks also go to Central University, The Calabash Newspaper, and Smart Media Press for their immense contributions to the development of our investigative story. Indeed, this fellowship has been a remarkable milestone in my journalism journey.

The Western Area Rural District Students' Union (WARDSU) successfully hosted a School Engagement on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness, targeting three schools in Waterloo: Canserra, Mohanad Jondy, and Jefferson Secondary Schools.

As a student union body, one of our key mandates is to ensure that students and pupils; especially girls and young women are free from violence in schools. We believe that education can only thrive in an environment where safety, dignity, and respect are upheld.

Interestingly, during the session, pupils, teachers, and stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions on GBV and its impact on learners and communities. Teachers gained a deeper understanding of their role in fostering safe learning spaces, pupils became more aware of their rights and the gender laws that protect them, and stakeholders learned how to better support GBV survivors through counseling and support systems.

WARDSU, remains committed to championing student safety, inclusivity, and an empowering learning environment.



© Public Relations Officer
Amb. Ibrahim John Sesay (Popay) 🍎
Western Area Rural District Students' Union (WARDSU)