Journalists in South Sudan face many challenges in reporting on crises, from climate shocks to conflict and displacement, with limited access to information and training, as well as restrictions, continuing to shape the stories that are told.
A recent training led by UNESCO aimed to address those gaps, bringing together 35 journalists from ten media houses to build their skills in crisis reporting, investigative journalism, and coverage on climate shocks and other crises.
South Sudan has seen a rise in climate-related disasters in recent years, including flooding and drought, often stacked onto existing conflict and displacement. Media plays a critical role in informing communities, helping to prepare and respond to crises, but many outlets lack the capacity to prepare and respond effectively themselves.
For many journalists, the challenge starts with access. “Access to information on how communities are affected is still a big issue in South Sudan,” said journalist and trainer Mandil Nichola, pointing to the difficulty of reaching remote or insecure areas, as well as broader constraints including censorship and safety risks.
A lack of training, combined with this restricted access to information, makes it difficult for journalists to pursue in-depth stories. “Many of the journalists have never had proper training on investigative reporting,” he said.
Limited available funding is another major barrier. Freelance journalist Adia Jildo described how resource constraints affect what stories get told. “Most of the stations here have very little financial capacity to support us,” she said, explaining how investigative reporting often depends on external support.
She also pointed to the influence this can have on editorial choices. When reporting is tied to external funding, it can become harder to hold institutions accountable. As a result, many journalists opt for ‘safer’ or less resource-heavy stories, leaving important issues underreported.
UNESCO’s training is designed to respond to these gaps, offering practical skills alongside longer-term mentorship. Sessions focus on how to report during emergencies, verify information, and develop stories that go beyond describing events to exploring possible responses.
“There’s a lot to report in South Sudan, so need properly trained journalists,” Nichola said, describing the training as a solid starting point for building stronger reporting.
Participants outlined how learning about solutions-based reporting is especially helpful. Jildo said the training encouraged journalists to rethink how they approach recurring issues like flooding. Rather than repeating the same narratives, she said, reporters are being encouraged to ask different questions and highlight what can be done differently.
Trainers also emphasized the importance of collaboration, both between journalists and with institutions such as government agencies and scientific entities. This is key to improving access to information and strengthening reporting on complex issues like climate change.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-training-aims-strengthen-reporting-climate-and-other-crises-journalists-face-growing?hub=701
