More than 50 leading print and broadcast journalists from Senegalese news organizations participated in skills-building workshops offered in May and June by the International Center for Journalists in collaboration with the journalists union SYNPICS.

The workshops were offered as part of a series of courses being organized for Senegalese journalists under the program “Strengthening the Truth Tellers,” which is aimed at assisting journalists and the organizations that protect their rights.

The first weeklong workshop – for 23 print journalists – was held in Dakar May 10-15. A second workshop was offered to 30 radio and television journalists on May 31 to June 4.

Other courses will focus on investigative reporting and election coverage.

Diatou Cissé Badiane, secretary general of SYNPICS, said the workshops address a major need.

“We need better quality journalism, with journalists that better master their profession, with a deeper sense of their professional responsibility in the quest for truth. Otherwise, the press risks killing itself because of a lack of credibility.”

The first workshop, which focused on best practices in reporting, editing, commentary writing, and news management for print journalists, was led by Tidiane Kassé, ICFJ’s country director in Senegal and a veteran Senegalese editor and trainer. Participants included editors-in-chief and senior journalists from almost 20 Senegalese newspapers and agencies.

The second workshop, which focused on best practices for broadcast reporters, was led by senior journalist and media trainer Mame Less Camara, also of Senegal.

The “Strengthening the Truth Tellers” project is an 18-month, multimedia program funded by the U.S. Department of State.