Made for “Africa Journal” via Africa 24 Media/Reuters.
Producer: yours truly
Camera: David Sevuri
Editor: Neville Boky

Story description:
In Tanzania, like many African countries, books are having a hard time competing with modern entertainment choices. But a government program here is trying to turn the page on this trend, giving young people more opportunities to read.

1) What is the literacy rate in your country?
2) Do you think that the reason why most Tanzanians don’t like to read is because they do not comprehend the English language very well?
3) Do you agree that social media- Facebook and twitter, and other forms of media- television and radio, are to blame for children showing lack of interest in books? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

Made for “Africa Journal” via Africa 24 Media/Reuters.
Field producer, writer, voice: yours truly
Camera: Neville Boky, Kariuki Gicira, Rufas Shilenje
Editor: Carol Mwai

Story description:
More students in Kenya are enrolled in primary school than ever before. An initiative in one of the country’s slums is ensuring that children in disadvantaged communities are not left behind.

1) What do you think can be done to make the lives of those living in slums much more easier?
2) Free primary education has benefited many poor families. Parents can now afford to take their children to school. Do you think the standard of education they receive at these schools is good enough?
3) Do you think lunch, uniforms and trips should be made free as well? If so, why? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

“Grace Under Pressure” was made by Africa 24 Media for CCTV’s “Faces of Africa” documentary series. I got to field produce most of the story in Kampala, Uganda!

Story description:
This is a story of adult success. This is the story of Grace. Grace Under Pressure. Grace Nanyonga was born in Mukono, Uganda. Children in this village grow up in a simple, yet pleasant environment.

The road to Grace’s dreams would turn out to be a rocky one. Her parents split up when she was just 9, her mother moving out and starting another family. She stayed with her father, her older brother Robert and two other siblings.

Three short years later - on an afternoon that seemed like any other, their lives would be changed forever.

“Green Sands” was originally produced by Lizzie Blenk for the IDRC. I made it into an “Africa Journal” story for Africa 24 Media/Reuters.

Story description:
Farmers in Senegal are keeping the encroaching desert at bay— by planting trees for a greener tomorrow.

1) How do you think desertification can be minimized in Africa?
2) Can food insecurity in Africa be a thing of the past?
3) Are African governments doing enough to conserve forests and combat climate change? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

Made for “What’s Your Story?” via Africa 24 Media.
Producer: Angeline Wanjeri
Editor: Anthony Kimani
Voice: yours truly

Story description:
At only 18 years old, she’s taking the fashion industry by storm. Kendra Niq’ole is the new gal on Kenya’s fashion block. This young but professional designer has established her own fashion company.

1) Can young fashion designers make it in a world dominated by fashion gurus?
2) What do you think about Kendra’s new fashion line?
3) Are you an upcoming designer? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

Made for “Africa Journal” via Africa 24 Media/Reuters.
Producers: Jean Macfarlane and yours truly
Camera: Justin Dralaze, Rudd Elmendorp
Editor: Salome Ngau
Voice: Salim Amin 

Story description: 
A social media campaign has turned a Ugandan rebel leader indicted for crimes against humanity into the World’s Most Wanted.

1) What are your thoughts on the Kony 2012 video? What’s your story?
2) Do you believe Ugandans have the right to be angered by the Kony 2012 video? What’s your story?
3) Jason Russell, director of the viral video about Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, was recently hospitalized for exhaustion after witnesses saw him running through the streets of San Diego in his underwear. Rumor has it that Kony put a spell on him. What do you think? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

Made for What’s Your Story? via Africa 24 Media.
Producer: Stella Nyawira
Camera: Neville Boky
Editor: yours truly

Story description:
Under strong belief that no woman should die while giving life, the Africa Medical Research Foundation launched the international Stand up for African Mothers campaign in order to draw attention to the plight of African mothers by ensuring them basic medical care needed for pregnancy and birth. The campaign aims to train 15,000 midwives by 2015 and reduce maternal deaths by 25%. 

1) What is the story in your country about mothers who die every year due to lack of simple medical care?
2) How many children are left motherless each year in your country?
3) 40% of African women do not receive prenatal care, and more than half of all deliveries take place at home without medical assistance. What is your story in your country? 

To answer, please click here.

“Lost Vineyards” was originally produced by Lizzie Blenk for the IDRC. I made it into an “Africa Journal” story for Africa 24 Media/Reuters.

Story description:
Climate change is affecting South African wine production. Here, we see how farmers are using technology to control their crops.

1) How has climate change affected you? What’s your story?
2) What should be done to ensure the survival of the wine vineyards in South Africa? What’s your story?
3) How does the agricultural sector in your country influence the economy? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.

Made for What’s Your Story? via Africa 24 Media.
Writer: Angeline Wanjeri
Editor: Catherine Kendi
Field Producer, Voice: yours truly

Story description:
FAFA is an annual event aimed at  celebrating African fashion. Organized by KikoRomeo founder Ann McCreath, the event was graced by various designers, models, dignitaries and celebrities.

1) Are you a fan of KikoRomeo fashion? What’s your story?
2) Did you attend the FAFA event? Why fascinated you about the event? What’s your story?
3) Do you think the fashion industry in Kenya has surpassed people’s expectations? How? What’s your story?

To answer, please click here.