A network of media organisations, concerned with how children are reported on in the media, are launching a groundbreaking project that will take place in South Africa and Zambia.
It will involve hundreds of children and news agencies in both countries.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Media Network on Child’s Rights and Development (MNCRD) and Save the Children, are running the project with the support of the European Commission.
Child journalists in both South Africa and Zambia will participate in a Children’s News Agency to report on issues of crucial importance to children and democracy.
Children will help develop best practice guidelines to help journalists navigate the ethically complex area of reporting on children and child monitors will be keeping careful watch over print media to ensure they report in a manner consistent with the best interests of children.
The project is launching tomorrow [February 24] and children in South Africa will be joined via video link, and media will participate in a dual South African/Zambian press conference.
The hoped for outcome? Children are going to lead by example and work with media to improve standards in reporting issues affecting their peers.
