Abuja — Nigeria's foremost child media organisation, the Youth Media and Communication Initiative (YMCI), will hold a one week media training workshop for secondary school students in Abuja from March 31 to April 4, 2008.

The workshop, jointly organised by YMCI and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria will involve 24 students and six teachers who will undergo training on various aspects of media: print; photography; video production; radio and Internet.

The workshop will be opened by Ms. Maryam J. Bewell, director of programs, NTA. Guests expected at the opening ceremony include Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of Education, Dr. Aja Nwachukwu and Minister of Youth Development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi who is the special guest of honour.

The aim of the workshop, according to Chido Onumah, Coordinator of YMCI, is to train children and youths, using media, as agents for social mobilisation and social change; to develop their capacity for effective communication and self-expression so that they can positively impact their schools, communities and society."

The workshop also aims to train children and youth to develop media literacy skills to evaluate and respond to the media for a more informed and empowered citizenry. The workshop will be for students who want to get better acquainted with reporting and communication to enhance child rights and youth participation in society.

At the end of the workshop, participants will form the Young Reporters Network (YOREN), an association of student reporters. They will take responsibility for stories, articles and the production of Youth Link magazine, the journal of YMCI, and contribute to other media activities, including radio, TV and internet productions. The workshop will also afford students the chance to meet with experienced professional and boost their confidence about child right issues.

YMCI is an international non-governmental organisation registered in Nigeria, Canada and the UK. It equips children and youth with media and communcation skills on child rights, gender, environment, leadership and development.