Lourde attended the 23rd Congress of the Worldwide Association of Women Journalists and Writers in 2018 and used PressPad’s services to find accomodation.
Learn more about her experience below:
When?
- 1 week in 2018
Host-mentor
- Alex Collins, broadcast journalist at BBC World Service
Internship
- Attendee at 23rd Congress of the Worldwide Association of Women Journalists and Writers
About Lourdes
Lourdes is a senior producer at Kenya’s state-run media organisation, KBC. She coordinates coverage of local, national, and international news for over 10 radio stations. Previously, she was a creative producer of various radio news shows on the network. After her experience visiting the UK with PressPad, she came to study a master’s degree at the University of Sussex.
Lourdes’ experience
“When I received a bursary to attend the 23rd Congress of the Worldwide Association of Women Journalists and Writers, I was beyond excited. However, it was set to be hosted in London. I’d never stayed in a foreign country before and was overcome by the fear of the unknown.
“But when PressPad connected me with my mentor-host, Alex, on the phone, I was instantly put at ease. His apartment in London would become my home for the four days of the conference.
“Alex gave me a full tour of the BBC Broadcasting house, which had always been my dream to visit. There, I met acclaimed Kenyan journalists Sophie Ikenye and Waihiga Meaura. They shared nuggets of wisdom on how to tell a story in an engaging way and make an audience care about things that happen miles away.
“I learnt invaluable lessons and skills at the conference, which was hosted in various locations across the UK including City University. I left the experience a better storyteller and journalist. I am forever grateful for PressPad for making this happen. Like we say in Swahili: asante sana! (thank you very much!)”