A group of selected journalists, whistle-blowers, and activists from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Liberia, and Guinea recently completed a comprehensive safety and medical training program delivered by Lazarus Training, a UK-based organisation specialising in safety and first aid education. The training, designed for individuals operating in high-risk environments, aimed to equip participants with essential skills to protect themselves while performing critical work in volatile regions.
The beneficiaries, supported by the Whistle-blowers, Activists, and Journalists Safety International Center (WAJSIC) in Ghana, included a diverse mix of professionals. In addition to journalists, the program welcomed human rights activists and whistle-blowers, all of whom operate in environments where personal safety is often under threat. By combining participants from multiple countries, the training fostered a regional network of professionals committed to safe and responsible advocacy and reporting.
The four-day program featured both theoretical and practical components, emphasizing hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Participants were trained in safety protocols, risk assessment, and first aid procedures, including medical responses to injuries commonly encountered in hostile or unstable environments. The combination of classroom instruction and simulated exercises ensured that participants could translate knowledge into actionable skills, preparing them to respond effectively to emergencies in their professional work.
Throughout the training, participants engaged actively, asking questions, practicing techniques, and sharing experiences from their respective countries. This collaborative approach not only enhanced learning but also built solidarity among journalists, activists, and whistle-blowers facing similar challenges. In regions where freedom of expression and human rights work are often threatened, such training is critical to ensuring that professionals can continue their work with confidence and resilience.
At the conclusion of the program, participants received certificates acknowledging their successful completion. Among them was Ibrahim Abode, a Ghanaian investigative journalist, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to both WAJSIC and Lazarus Training. “We’re grateful to these two bodies, WAJSIC and Lazarus Training, for making this possible. We promise to impart the knowledge gained,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to sharing the skills acquired with colleagues and others operating in high-risk environments.
The training is significant not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader media, activist, and human rights communities. By equipping professionals with practical safety and medical skills, programs like this strengthen the capacity of journalists and activists to operate effectively in challenging conditions. The knowledge gained enhances their ability to protect themselves, respond to emergencies, and maintain continuity in their work even in the face of potential threats.
Participants noted the practical value of the program, emphasizing that it addressed real-world situations they are likely to encounter in their professional lives. From navigating unsafe reporting locations to handling emergencies in unstable environments, the training provided actionable guidance that can save lives and prevent injuries. Such preparation is essential in regions where journalists and activists frequently confront hazards ranging from physical attacks to accidents and medical emergencies.
The collaboration between Lazarus Training and WAJSIC reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive safety education for professionals working in high-risk sectors. By combining international expertise with local support structures, the program ensures that participants receive both world-class instruction and contextually relevant guidance tailored to the specific challenges faced in West Africa.
Ultimately, the training underscores the importance of preparedness, resilience, and peer support among journalists, whistle-blowers, and activists. By investing in their safety and professional development, these programs help ensure that critical work in reporting, human rights advocacy, and whistle-blowing can continue despite the dangers involved. Participants leave not only with new skills but also with a renewed sense of confidence and responsibility to share knowledge, strengthening the wider community of professionals dedicated to accountability and public interest.
