NEW MEDIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY PROJECT TO BUILD ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND STRENGTHEN REPORTING

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam TANZANIA

JANUARY 18, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW MEDIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY PROJECT TO BUILD ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND STRENGTHEN REPORTING

Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA. The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), commenced a civil society and media strengthening project Boresha Habari (“Better News”) during a launch event on Wednesday, January 17 in Dar es Salaam.  Implemented in coordination with non-profit organizations Internews and FHI 360, the Boresha Habari project will collaborate with Tanzanian partners, including: the Media Council of Tanzania, Tanzania Bora Initiative, and Jamii Media; to improve professional capacity among journalists and support an open media environment.

 “The U.S. Government is committed to supporting the professionalization of the Tanzanian media and civil society – particularly empowering women and youth – to raise their voices and concerns effectively as both producers and consumers of information,” remarked USAID Mission Director Andy Karas during the event.

Over the next five years, the Boresha Habari project aims to work with media houses and radio stations in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Mbeya, Morogoro, Arusha, Manyara, Dodoma, Tanga, Mtwara, Mwanza, and Kigoma to improve their professional capacities.  Specifically, Boresha Habari will provide media outlets with training and technical assistance, help them adopt new digital technologies, and strengthen their management and financial viability. The project will also train civil society organizations to effectively partner with the media.

To request more information, please call the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Press Office at Tel: +255 22 229-4000 or email: DPO@state.gov.

 

USAID Mission Director Andy Karas (right) congratulates Media and Communication Director of InterNews Wenceslaus Mushi after the launching of a civil society and media strengthening Boresha Habari project in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on is the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania Kajubi Mukajanga (center). The 5 year USAID funded project to be coordinated by local organizations Internews and FHI 360 and implemented by a number of Tanzanian partners including: the Media Council of Tanzania, Tanzania Bora Initiative, and Jamii Media aims at enhancing professionalism amongst Tanzanian media and civil society with a particular focus of empowering women and youth – to raise their voices and concerns effectively as both producers and consumers of information.

Executive Director of Tanzania Bora Initiative Abella Bateyunga (left) addressing participants during the launching of a civil society and media strengthening Boresha Habari project in Dar es Salaam yesterday. The 5 year USAID funded project will be coordinated by local organizations Internews and FHI 360 and implemented by a number of Tanzanian partners including Tanzania Bora Initiative, aims at enhancing professionalism amongst Tanzanian media and civil society with a particular focus of empowering women and youth – to raise their voices and concerns effectively as both producers and consumers of information.