Looking to build or develop your Web writing skills?

Course Description:

The web has moved past where it acted as just another channel for communications. Today, websites represents your brand - your dialog with your customers. Information is on - demand and how well you provide the information people want in the way they want it determines success.

Understanding your audiences and serving them with the content they want quickly and easily is what defines your website. Your website MUST reflect your audience needs. What’s most important to your users is what should be most prominent on your website and the focus of that content should be on them.

Effective web writing involves the having the proper content, written in the right style and formatted for effective scanning.  This training is designed to teach ways to achieve this balance and includes useful tips for creating web content that your site’s visitors will read.

If you write, review, approve or manage content for your organisation’s website or intranet, then THIS IS YOUR TRAINING. Our world class instructors will help you learn how to create a satisfying content experience for your site’s users while attracting new ones.


Dates:  Pre register for any of the dates below:

•    15th April;
•    19th may;
•    9th June

Venue: New Media Hub, Ako-adjei, Osu Accra.

Topics:

•    Harnessing the promise of social media for individuals, organizations and businesses.
•    How to create an online identity
•    Planning your web content more effectively
•    Writing emails that get responses
•    Writing for various online platforms
•    Balancing being a private and public person on social media

Benefits: Learn how…

1.    we read online and how to tailor your texts to suit it.
2.    to catch the fleeting attention of the reader.
3.    to chose the right style, disposition and length for different platforms.
4.    to avoid common communication mistakes.
5.    to combine words with images for the web.
6.    to blog, tweet, Instagram and why you need to.
7.    to be efficient online.

Who should attend?

Target audience is journalists, PR personnel, entrepreneurs, communication personnel in corporate organizations as well as individuals who want to venture in writing for the web as a money making venture. It is also designed for web writers, bloggers, copywriters, content authors and everyone whose work includes writing. Web teams, intranet teams, content strategists and online marketers.

Fees and Registration

 
This course is priced at GHC 400. This includes training materials, feeding and a certificate by PenPlusBytes. Also available are:

1.    Early bird discount of 5% for payments made before/on 6th April, 5th May & 26th May 2016 respectively
2.    Group discount of 5% - when 2 or more register from one organisation.
3.    Training fee must be paid in full before/on 11th April, 13th May & 3rd June 2016 respectively

To register for this course, please visit http://ow.ly/105P8F to complete online form or contact yaw@penplusbytes.org. Call: +233 (0) 302 922621, +233 (0) 302 798995, 0279848444. For further details, see www.penplusbytes.org/events

Penplusbytes Advocates for the Use of Digital Tools for Citizens Participation in District Assembly Budget Hearings

The free access to information and opinion is a precondition for the functioning of an open, human rights oriented democratic society. To this end, Penplusbytes in partnership with Deutche Welle (DW) is implementing a 12 month project dubbed “Freedom of Expression and Media Capacity Building Project”.

The project which is currently being piloted at Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Assembly in the Central Region advocates the human right to access information and to freedom of expression.  It aims at providing easy and accessible information on allocated budgets and development plans for communities and improve the engagement frameworks between citizens and governments for purposes of effective monitoring of programmes, development and budget appropriation and decision making.

Three other Assemblies which will benefit from this project are Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Ellembelle District Assembly and the Wa Municipal Assembly. 

In explaining what the project will achieve Jerry Sam, Director of Programmes at Penplusbytes said, the project will not only build the capacity of media to better inform citizens about the work of the district assembly, but will also deploy an online platform that enables citizens to monitor and access government information. It will further help with policy analysis, development plans, budgets appropriations, as well as implementation processes at the local government level. 

He states that “The project will bridge the gap between citizens and the local assembly in information sharing, encouraging the district assemblies to use digital tools such as SMS and social media to reach and interact with citizens at the grassroots; particularly in development planning and budget formulation and also project implementation. This will ensure greater participation by the wider population and good governance at the grassroots level.”  

Other activities under the project will include a citizen’s forum, a journalism workshop on best practice on the treatment of information from the districts, a District communication strategy workshop and media training for District officials. 

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About

Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and driving oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.

DW Akademie is Germany's leading organization for international media development. We support the development of free and transparent media, quality journalism, and also offer programs to boost media skills. DW Akademie has developed into an organization that focuses on wide-ranging, long-term development projects.

Opportunity: New Media Reporting Internship/Traineeship Posts

Unit: Editorial – DigitalSENSE Africa Media Group
Duration of contract: Minimum 6 months
Starting date: April 18, 2016 (3 positions)
Duty Station: Lagos State, Nigeria
Application New Deadline: April 1, 2016

Overall objectives:

The Editorial Unit of DigitalSENSE Africa Media is the publication arm of the our media group which publishes ITRealms, DigitalSENSE Business News, and NaijaAgroNet; and is offering three (3) internship/traineeship positions for young professionals or postgraduate students.
The working experience is designed to allow interns/trainees to strengthen their knowledge and gain practical experience in the fields, and dealing with diversity of related editorial content features ranging from innovative Web 2.1+ and technology-enhanced reporting to make a difference. They will also benefit from working in a vibrant environment.

The Editorial unit of DigitalSENSE Africa Media Group tends to source, organize and incorporate editorial content from diverse sources, converting and promoting content tailored to engender development of literary products for easy assimilation for average citizens based on laid down principles.

DigitalSENSE Africa Media Group is now accepting applications from interested and qualified candidates for an internship/traineeship of a minimum of six months period of on a full-time in Lagos.

Summary of responsibilities:

The intern/trainee will be involved with the general work and responsibilities of the unit, developing and applying new media concepts through research on ICT tools, subjects and new media deliverables.

Some of these responsibilities include but not limited to:

*Handling research on methods and tools for new media content;
*Usage of knowledge sharing undertakings;
*Development and implementation of new media innovatives;
*Supporting the unit in delivery of new media initiatives for staff and organisaitonal development;
*Designing and delivering information sessions;
*Contributing to DigitalSENSE Africa Media titles including DigitalSENSE *Business News, ITRealms and NaijaAgroNet among others.

Detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) will be established in accordance with ongoing projects. This will equally include learning outcomes on specific skills to be developed during traineeship/internship project.

Qualifications:

Candidates with computer literacy skills are welcome to apply from the following fields:
Mass Communication, Sociology, Art, and History.

A high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative, knowledge of Microsoft Office package and computer skills to deal with a variety of word document tools are required.
Knowledge of Adobe InDesign and understanding of Web 2.0 technologies are highly advantageous.

Language:- Proficiency in English

How to apply:

Send your CV and motivation letter to editor_ls (at) digitalsenseafrica.com.ng quoting “Internship” in your subject line.

Interns/Trainees are not financially remunerated by DigitalSENSE Africa Media. They receive a monthly lump-sum to cover transportation.

Click here for details

E - Commerce and Online Payment Course

Course Description:

In todays’ fast –changing world, advances in technology have seen E-Commerce (or eCommerce) become extremely viable for business and also very convenient for consumers. Various topologies and plans allow producers and consumers to sell and purchase with ease. Examining the use of social media, websites and e-mail promotions, E-commerce attracts Internet viewers and make it easier for a company to generate sales. This one day course takes participants through the various dynamics within E-Commerce, needed to make it possible. This course will be of great interest to business professionals, as well as any learner wanting to expand their knowledge and understanding of e-commerce in Ghana and on the global scale as well.

Dates:  Pre register for any of the dates below:

·         21^st April, 2016

Venue: New Media Hub, Ako-adjei, Osu Accra.

Course Outline:

1.      The basics of e-Commerce

2.      History of e-Commerce in Ghana

3.      The elements of ecommerce

4.      Ecommerce options available in Ghana

5.      Advantages and Disadvantages of various e-commerce tools

6.      Why merchants should consider ecommerce

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for people working within the retail and ecommerce sectors but is also suitable for the digitally minded/quick learners who are new to working in ecommerce looking to approach the subject from a strategic perspective.

Anyone who is interested is starting their own online business

Fees and Registration

This course is priced at GHS 300. This includes training materials, feeding and a certificate by PenPlusBytes. Also available are:

1.      Early bird discount of 5% for payments made before April 8^th, 2016.

2.      Group discount of 5% - when 2 or more register from one organisation.

3.      Training fee must be paid in full before/on 15^th April, 2016

To register for this course, please visit http://ow.ly/1020xU to complete online form or contact yaw@penplusbytes.org. Call: +233 (0) 302 922621, +233 (0) 302 798995, 0279848444. For further details, see www.penplusbytes.org/events

Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training Program 2016

Aimed at increasing the pipeline of skilled financial journalists and analysts, embracing a data-driven journalism culture across Africa, the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA), is looking to train financial journalists and development experts to enhance their abilities as continental informers, educators and watchdogs.

The program is designed in collaboration with a consortium of 6 pre-eminent journalism schools and top business schools across three key African markets to deliver a highly innovative, integrated and practical world-class executive training program that is firmly rooted in African market realities.

The training will build the skills and knowledge of media professionals to better serve the public interest as a critical part of continental development and progress. 

​Who should apply?

This interactive and hands-on program is targeted at mid-career journalists, editors, analysts, financial professionals, public and economic policy professionals, civil society leaders with an interest in African development and financial and economic data as well as university faculty and graduate students with an interest in financial journalism. 

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be in possession of a recognised tertiary qualification (degree or diploma):

• Applicants with working experience in Journalism, Public Relations or a related field will be at an advantage; and
• Applicants must have a baseline level of understanding of financial numeracy and be computer literate, with a sound working knowledge of MS Word and Excel.

Program Structure:

The BMIA Executive Training Program is structured for part-time study, enabling working professionals to apply new knowledge and skills they acquire back into their work environments in real time.

The 19-day program spans a period of six months and includes four compulsory study blocks. Each study block takes place over three to five full lecture days. 

The Executive Training is being offered in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Participating univers​ities are:

South Africa​

​​Gordon Institute of Business Science, GIBS

Rhodes University School of Journalism

Nigeria​

Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Business School University of Lagos, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Kenya

Strathmore Business School, University of Nairobi,
School of Journalism

Program Content:

Seven modules built around three key themes:

• Business and Finance,
• Policy, and
• Financial Journalism Production

All of the modules will incorporate material about the ethical issues and social impacts of business and financial journalism.

Program modules:

• The Media Landscape
• Economics
• Accounting and Finance
• Financial Journalism
• Public Policy and Regulation
• Capital Markets
• Data Analysis and Interpretation

​Application process

Applications for the next intake in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are now open, Click Here for the Online Application Form. Applications will be reviewed and places awarded on a first come first served basis.  

Applications will be reviewed and places awarded on a first come first served basis. The closing date for Intake 3 applications is 28 February 2016. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.​ As part of the screening process, candidates may be invited to attend interviews. Applicants will need to have reliable internet connectivity and be prepared to upload the following documents:

• All applicants should provide electronic copies of your tertiary qualification/s;
• All applicants will also be required to complete a 20 minute online numeracy test to confirm their
  baseline financial acumen; and
• All applicants will be required to upload writing samples.

Candidates with professional financial journalism experiencewill be required to upload a recent sample of their best written work. Candidates without journalism experience will be required to upload:

1. A brief, recent writing sample on a relevant topic, and
2. A motivational essay of no more than 750 words. Through this essay, you have the opportunity to explain why you would like to participate in the BMIA Executive Program and highlight your interest in and/or expertise on issues related to economic analysis and financial journalism. Examples of relevant issues include: public policy, transparency, accountability, financial data and oversight.

Bureau chiefs, editors, media executives, civil society managers and HR directors are encouraged to nominate outstanding staff to attend the program to enhance their financial and business journalism excellence. For more information, please email bmia@gibs.co.za. 

​​Program fees

The program value is $15 000, but Bloomberg Philanthropies with support from the Ford Foundation are generously funding each successful candidate on a scholarship basis. Scholarships include tuition, class materials, lunch and refreshments. 

Those successful enough to secure a scholarship will be required to contribute a registration fee of $250 and will need to provide their own transport and accommodation. Applicants seeking waiver of registration fee are asked to contact their country program manager.

Requirements to graduate

In addition to attending the study blocks, participants will be required to complete pre-module preparation work and post-module assessments in the form of individual and/or syndicate assignments.

Click Here for the Online Application Form and find more details on program here.