Journalists and Communicators Networking

In the frame of the Regional Conference on Birth Registration for West and Central Africa initiated by Plan, UNICEF, and UNFPA in Dakar in February 2004, and following the Journalists and Communicators’ Workshop held prior to this conference, the International Network of Journalists and Communicators for the Rights and Welfare of the Child, coordinated by Adel ARAB - Communication Consultant - has been created. The next step was the creation of this network at a national level in all the member countries.

Family picture of the    network members

Last June 21st – 22nd, 26 journalists and communicators from the North, South, East and West of Benin gathered for a workshop on birth registration. The first day was dedicated to reports on Dakar workshop and conference: key points, action plans and discussions on the Network term of reference and on the opportunity to create such a network at a national level. The second day established the writing of fundamental documents, the elaboration of an action plan and the set up of the network and its coordination.

Today in Benin, the National Network of Journalists and Communicators for the Rights and the welfare of the Child is set up. It is a network of dynamic and engaged journalists and communicators, eager and ready to lend their hands for the promotion of the rights and the welfare of the child. The network is autonomous, open to all journalists and communicators willing to engage in such a mission and ready to work with every organization working for the promotion of the rights and the welfare of the child. Their priorities for this year are: advocacy, capacity building and people’s awareness rising on the existing laws and rules on the rights and welfare of the child.

Let’s welcome this network that aims at creating ‘‘a world fit for children’’.