The World Federation of Science Journalists expands its projects in Asia and Latin America - Media notice

GATINEAU, QC, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) celebrates five years since the opening of its headquarters in Gatineau, suite 390, 4 Taschereau Street, on Wednesday 15 February, between 16:00 and 18:00.

For the first time, the World Federation's headquarter will welcome its President, Mr. Vesa Niinikangas, from Finland, and the other members of its Board, journalists and specialists in science journalisme from Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Guatemala, India and the United-Kingdom.

Beyond the five year celebrations, the World Federation will announce that it has obtained funding that should soon make it possible the extension of its training projects in Asia and Latin America.

It is in January 2006 that the World Federation initiated international mentoring in science journalism through its SjCOOP project, a $4.3 million program initially implemented in Africa and in the Middle East. Six years later, the Federation is poised to introduce its innovative approach to Asia and Latin America. SjCOOP is presently funded by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development - main donor --, The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Canada's International Development Research Centre. Last December, evaluators from the United Kingdom came to review the project and gave the top score to SjCOOP.

During its first phase, from 2006 to 2009, SjCOOP trained dozens of African and Arab science journalists. A second phase started in January 2010 and will conclude in January 2013. In the meantime, SjCOOP should have started training and networking science journalists in Asia and Latin America.

Each SjCOOP project is implemented by a team of 15 amongst the best science journalists who become mentors for 60 journalists interested to improve their skills at reporting on health, environment, science and technology. SjCOOP is the largest training activity in science journalism in the world.

From its office at 4 Taschereau, in Gatineau, the World Federation of Science Journalists represents 41 associations and manages SjCOOP.

Note: parking space will be available free behind the 4 Taschereau Building; the gate to the parking will be lifted.

Jean-Marc Fleury, Executive Director, tel: [phone]  / 613 882 6163
or
Yoon Kim, project assistant, tel: [phone]