A groundbreaking moment for The Gambia as Vibes FM General Manager and Gambia’s respected journalist Ousman A. Marong becomes the first-ever Gambian to earn certification through the Solutions Journalism West Africa Fellowship, completing a four -month extensive program in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch.
Running from July 24 to early November 2025, this fellowship empowered selected West African fellows to report not just on issues but also on evidence-based solutions.
“I am proud to be the first-ever certified Gambian journalist in Solutions Journalism West Africa Fellowship, part of the larger Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative,” Marong expressed. “My storytelling approach is different; I focus on not just the problems but also the responses and solutions that truly matter.”
This training signifies a shift in local journalism, emphasizing impact-driven reporting. “In The Gambia, we’re not just chasing headlines; we’re seeking solutions that uplift and guide us toward a better future,” he added.
He’s already putting this model into practice, with published pieces on migration in Jinack and plastic recycling.
“I am now fully certified and making a difference with my reporting,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he plans to establish a Solutions Journalism Network in The Gambia. “The foundation is set, and I am excited for what’s next,” he concluded.
The Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative, led by the Solutions Journalism Network and partners like Nigeria Health Watch, trains journalists across West Africa to deliver in-depth reporting on community responses to social challenges. With this certificate Marong can now teach SJN in journalism schools.
