About Us

Humanitarian Information Facilitation Centre

What We Do
Mentorship initiative
is cultivating a network of journalists who are mentored by qualified, experienced journalists to produce thoroughly researched, evidence based, independent and non-partisan stories on humanitarian issues. The organisation has contributed to the personal development and creation of a calibre of journalists who take particular interest in human interest and welfare stories.
Under this initiative, research grants are offered to journalists interested in pursuing humanitarian issues in health, HIV and AIDS, education, food security, housing, among others. With its network of active mentored journalists, HIFC has contributed to and has been responsible for facilitating an increase and presence of over 201 thoroughly researched and evidence based humanitarian stories and articles in the mainstream media since its inception.
This has seen a ripple effect of interest as more and more journalists independently write about humanitarian issues and publish in more than 18 media outlets.
Investigative journalism
a natural progression in the scope of HIFC work is the revival of a network of journalists who are competent in investigating issues of interest and producing well researched, factual and new information that can be used in evidence-based advocacy.
Media Training
ensuring refresher skills to journalists in specific areas e.g. humanitarian reporting,Media communication strategies developed by humanitarian organizations through capacity building and training to improve information management and outreach to their beneficiaries through the media. Knowledge briefs are held on a monthly basis – providing a space where HUNGOs alternately share knowledge in various subjects in their fields of work to journalists. Each brief, conducted over two hours, provides gatekeepers in the media with critical information and background intended not only to give them story ideas, but also to increase their understanding of key humanitarian issues confronting the country. It also broadens the sources base for journalists.
Field Visits by journalists to selected humanitarian projects and communities to have a deeper understanding of issues
Thematic stakeholder consultative meetings are held monthly with key players in various sectors to inform needs-based programming and facilitate dialogue that remains relevant and current in the humanitarian sector.
Policy dialogue facilitation through strengthening linkages by journalists and HUNGOs with relevant parliamentary portfolio committees.HIFC works with HUNGOs on consultancy basis in formulating media and communication strategies that enable organizations to realize optimal contact with their constituencies.
Humanitarian organizations disseminate their information of public interest through HIFC, and contribute reports and other documentation to a humanitarian information database housed at HIFC and accessible to media carrying out research in the various sectors.
Research where HIFC works with partners to facilitate knowledge building around identified issues e.g. access to essential medicines, climate change adaptation and food security.

Mission.

To improve access to information by strengthening linkages between media and humanitarian NGOs

Vision

A democratic, well informed society capable of demanding accountability from policy makers and other duty bearers in the humanitarian sector.