By Kumba Leigh
The National Strategic Communication Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM) in The Gambia, Mr. Lamin W. Sanneh said that the preparation is to improve communication, raise awareness on International Migration Law (IML), Return and Reintegration (RR) through community dialogue outreach in the Lower River Region (LRR.)
Mr. Sanneh, was speaking during a two-day training, and awareness creation for fifteen (15) journalism students of the School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM), University of The Gambia (UTG).
The training conducted in collaboration with the Journalism Students’ Association (JSA) of SJDM, was meant to build the capacity of the students for the up-coming community sensitization dialogue in Barrow Kunda, Pakaliba and Kwinela in LRR slated from the 8 to 11 of August 2022.
He explained that some aspects of migration communications are sensitive and requires accurate information thus it is significant to do a massive awareness creation so as to ensure people understand its dynamics, accurate and balance discussions.
“The reason why we targeted the Journalism Students Association of Gambia’s University is because they are aspiring journalists, and that they are involved in information dissemination, so if they are empowered, it will help shape mindsets, but change attitude, and behavior towards migration communication in promoting accurate, and balance discussion on migration in The Gambia” Mr. Sanneh explained.
He highlighted that migration is a global phenomenon and impacts everyone’s life in one way or the other and communities are no exception, adding that it is important to build capacities of government, CSOs, and media persons as they play a critical role in society and can improve understanding on these issues.
According to Mr. Sanneh, the sensitization has improved the understanding of migration issues and how they are discussed, adding it is actually the ultimate objective because people tend to understand human rights in the context of reintegration, readmission, and humanitarian supports.
The National Strategic Communication Officer mentioned that the project is a two years project that will face out by October 2022.
Musukuta Faal a third year Journalism Student University of The Gambia said the knowledge and skills gained will help in the ethical reporting of immigration and migration issues with the right information and accurate terminologies.
Lamin L. Sanyang also a third year Journalism Student asserted that the training helped in enhancing knowledge on better communication techniques and understanding of International Migration Law (IML), Reintegration and Readmission as well as discourage the idea of irregular migration.
For his part, Mustapha Fofana, also a participant expressed similar sentiments, stressing the need for returnees not to be seen as criminals instead they should be accommodated, and reintegrated in our societies.