YOJA Communique produced after the belated World Press Freedom day celebrations
On 9 May 2021, the Young Journalists Association (YOJA) hosted this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations for the first time since the organisation was formed.
As part of the global commemorations, celebrated under the theme; ‘Information as a public good’ YOJA invited different stakeholders who include civil society, academia and its members.
The meeting was held under the sub theme; ‘Challenges and Opportunities for the Media 30 years since the Windhoek Declaration’, in which young scribes took stock of the opportunities that lie ahead for the media since the Windhoek declaration of the 1990s.
The meeting came out with the following resolutions that shall be implemented in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s press is relevant to the demands of 21st century journalism and at the same time serving the public hood;
1. A deliberate campaign for the change of the journalism curriculum to ensure that it addresses the gaps that are there between industry and colleges.
2. Mobilisation of resources to ensure that young journalists start ups are supported.
3. Petitioning the Parliament of Zimbabwe over the continued arrests, intimidation of journalists while conducting their business.
4. Identifying media partners that push YOJA member’s needs and affiliation to important local and international boards that are in sync with YOJA interests.
5. Continued use of online platforms to ensure conversations around young journalists interests are cartered for.
YOJA will this week be premiering a documentary that captures challenges of journalists and the opportunities provided for by new media.
We continue to value our members and organisations that have always showed keen interest in supporting the association.
*YOJA Communications Department*
