Vice of Gbarpolu Radio intern, Rachelle R. Kanneh has been crowned winner of the 2024 Young Journalist Award, presented by the Youth Media Action (YMA), a youth-led media initiative empowering young people and giving them an active voice through the media in Liberia.
The Young Journalist Award, launched in 2023, recognizes the vital role of young journalists in national development and celebrates those who have demonstrated a passion for learning, commitment, brilliance, and career potential in mainstream media, high schools, or communities.
The 2024 award organized with support from Internews Liberia under the USAID Media Activity, honored young reporters who have upheld excellence in journalism while adhering to the quality, ethics, and standards of the Journalist’s Creed.
Out of thirty (30) applicants from nine counties namely, Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, Nimba and Gbarpolu amongst others, the award recognized three outstanding young journalists and two high school press club students.
The event witnessed Jerromie S. Walters of Women Voice Newspaper as the first runner-up while Roseline Tengbeh of Voice of Gompa in Nimba County as 2nd runner-up to walk away with one modern Sony recorder each, while the overall winner, Kanneh bagged home a plaque and new HP laptop.
Student Patricia Tokpa of Strive Press Club won as the high school newscaster of the year and Promise D. Garley of Kings and Queens International High School won as High School journalist of the year with each walking away with a smartphone to enhance their campus reporting.
21-year-old Rachelle R. Kanneh has over the years developed an interest and honed her skills in human interest, gender, and environmental reporting.
She started her journalism career at Samuel Ballah Elementary School in Sappimah town, Gbarpolu county, and later moved to Monrovia where she graduated from the Annie Banks William High School in Brewerville.
After being encouraged by the team at the Voice of Gbarpolu, she joined the press club benefiting from training and support through the YMA high school press club program and began her internship series in 2022 at Voice of Gbarpolu in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County where she currently works.
Inspired by their guidance, Rachelle R. Kanneh spent every vacation at the station helping to hone her skills and develop a deep understanding of the issues in her school and communities.
Due to her passion and commitment, the management of Voice of Gbarpolu gives her the opportunities to attend more trainings, and workshops and cover major events in the county and other areas.
“As a woman in a field often dominated by men, I strive to bring a unique perspective, emphasizing issues that affect marginalized communities, women and families,” she said.
Currently, she is the producer of “Girls Talk” on the Voice of Gbarpolu, a platform dedicated to amplifying and advocating for women’s rights.
The 21-year-old award winner is passionate about reporting impactful stories on gender issues, human rights, and the environment ensuring the voices of those affected are accurately represented.
Miss Kanneh’s long-term goal is to ensure that stories of resilience and empowerment are heard and to inspire the next generation of journalists in Gbarpolu County.
The award-winning story is about gold mining activities affecting the water sources of Morlakwelleh town, a resident to over three thousand residents facing serious health risks due to unclean water.
The story and testimonies reflect a wider fight for safe and clean drinking water and community well-being in concession areas.
Collaborating with the Inside Gbarpolu team enriched this story, allowing the reporter to gather firsthand accounts and expert insights.
During a courtesy visit at the mission office near Monrovia, USAID/Liberia Mission Director, Jim Wright congratulated Rachelle and commended her for the incredible achievements. Wright also encouraged her to continue highlighting the issues affecting women and girls through her stories and radio programs.