THISTLEPRAXIS CONSULTING TO ORGANISE CSR TRAINING FOR JOURNALISTS

ThistlePraxis Consulting, a CSR Strategy and Assessments firm, is organizing a foremost continent-wide initiative aimed at building and strengthening human capacity for the Nigerian and African media industry on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability reporting in Africa. The organizers say they are committed to identifying and fostering these series of trainings with other willing partners and corporate funders as well as other regional bodies.

Forbes CSR Blogger and award-winning journalist, Aman Singh, will lead the team of facilitators for a continental development initiative aimed at building and strengthening human capacity development for the African media on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability reporting in Africa tagged, ‘Effective CSR Reporting for Media Professionals’. Other facilitators include: Ken Egbas, Managing Partner, TruContact PR (organizers of SERAs/Nigeria CSR Awards); Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant/CEO, ThistlePraxis Consulting, Nigeria (organizers of the training); and Mumo Kivuitu, Executive Director, Ufhadili Trust in Kenya.

The purpose of the training is threefold: (i) to provide background information for accurate and effective media reporting of CSR activities, policies and strategies of businesses, operating within the African continent. This enables the media professionals to gain exposure to different dimensions and aspects of the practice that are beyond the scope of their communities or countries. (Ii) the initiative also seeks to enrich the educational and local experiences of reporting on CSR and other business issues through robust trainings and practical case studies in the field drawn from local and international organizations in Africa (iii) and finally, to make available to Africa (in the long term) well rounded and seasoned media professionals with a better and clearer understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability as well as the motivation and ability to be advocates of the continent, acting as watchdogs for corporate institutions whilst contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the profession within Africa.

Although the training will be residential, participants are expected to commit three (3) work days to attending after successful selection through a rigorous process. In addition, they are expected to also work in close contact with ThistlePraxis Consulting for six (6) weeks after the training in order to have their work and articles reviewed for content and technical compliance.

Interested media professionals are requested to send in their applications by e-mails to trainings@thistlepraxisconsulting.com on or before October 21, 2011. Organizations may nominate not more than two (2) employees in each category: Print, Electronic and Digital and this must be accompanied by documentary evidence of eligibility: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae; Letter of confirmation from the Editor or Editor–in-Chief or Chief Executive Officer. Other requirements include a proof of Educational Qualifications and a 150-word essay in outlining the applicant’s motivation for participating in the training.

In addition, applicants must be fluent in English Language and must be able to pay airfares as well as foot transport arrangements to Lagos, Nigeria. Only selected candidates will be contacted.