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DIRAJ (Disaster Risk Reduction Network of African Journalists) is the association of journalists and communicators working in the fields of disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, and humanitarian response in Africa. Its vision is a disaster-resilient Africa.
Drawing its membership from journalism, public relations, academia, civil society, private sector and policy makers, DIRAJ exists to:
- Encourage and support the professional growth of members with a passion to entrench DRR in the development agenda
- Act as a medium of education and support for members and a resource centre for policy makers and the public
- Represent members and the DRR community to policy makers
Mission
Empowering journalists and communicators in Africa to be significant partners in disaster risk reduction awareness, monitoring and policy advocacy
Objectives
- Building capacity for journalists in Africa to sustain DRR in their broadcasts
- Position DRR as a development news and current affairs agenda
- Nurture a caliber of award winning DRR stories that transform and impact on culture and policies
- Establish the first global DRR resource centre for journalists and communicators managing a news wire service, experts directory and stock footage
- Empower public and private institutions in the DRR sector to engage effectively with journalists
Activities
DIRAJ provides a number of services and support to its members while implementing strategies and objectives to lead DRR advocacy. The network constantly looks to grow the range of services it offers to its members. It organizes knowledge exchange forums (seminars, workshops, fellowships) for members on DRR communications and reporting. DIRAJ also:
- Hosts the biennial DRR Conference for African Journalists
- Awards the best stories on DRR through the Africa Development Resilience Awards
- Runs a mentorship program for young journalists and communicators interested in development and DRR reporting
- Establishes a resource centre on DRR media coverage with broadcast, print and online resources for journalists
- Conducts research and surveys on DRR and media engagement
- Presents policy advisory notes, position papers and white papers on DRR
The Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments (SFVC) online platform allows stakeholders to inform the public about their work on DRR. The SFVC online platform is a useful toolto know who is doing what and where for the implementation of the Sendai Framework, which could foster potential collaboration among stakeholders. All stakeholders (private sector, civil society organizations, academia, media, local governments, etc.) working on DRR can submit their commitments and report on their progress and deliverables.