Abdirashid Abdilahi Farah has more than 10 years of experience working in broadcast media. He specializes in administrative technology, leading him to educate other employees on the use of progressive systems and applications for monitoring and publishing news feeds onto online platforms.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Training on Self-Career Improvement for Private Media and Freelance Journalists in Somali Region

The media industry in the Somali region has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with the proliferation of private media houses and freelance journalists. However, there is a need to improve the capacity of journalists in the region, especially in the area of self-career development. The training Abdirashid organized aimed to equip journalists in the region with the skills necessary for self-career improvement.

The project enhanced the journalism and career skills of 20 journalists through hands-on training and mentorship. Participants learned about self-care, stress management and networking.

Through collaboration and networking opportunities facilitated during the training, journalists promised to form a supportive professional network and professional forums. The participants have requested future trainings and shown their appreciation of the program and inspirations from the program.

"Although journalism is one of the most dangerous jobs these days, for me it is a passion and a profession that I like to work in. The training besides the knowledge I have gained, it has also given me the courage and strength to improve my journalism skills and continue my job." – Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Abdirashid was a participant in the IVLP Project the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning.

Abdirashid's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "After the opportunity of experience and knowledge that I got from the IVLP program, I wanted to share the experience and knowledge that I gained from that program. I wanted to share my experience with other journalists in my area. I don't think other journalists in my area...often get such opportunities because they work in private media and there are few opportunities for capacity building and knowledge exchange."

U.S. Communities Visited

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, DC; St. Petersburg, FL; Iowa City, IA

Country: Ethiopia

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main Page