Vikes is a development cooperation foundation specialized in freedom of expression and the media
At Foundation for Media and Development (Vikes), we support freedom of expression, press freedom, and journalists’ rights in Finland and in global south. We believe that a free and diverse media is the foundation of democracy and a fundamental human right. Our work ensures that citizens have access to independent, critical, and unbiased information to support participation and decision-making.
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Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless and strengthened…
The first sign language news broadcasts began in Somalia
In 2025, men in Somalia received training on promoting women’s rights in the workplace, journalists and policymakers were trained in peace journalism, and the country’s first sign language news broadcasts began. Somalia has been in the midst of a civil war for over…
The support project for female journalists expanded to Uganda, and the number of training sessions increased
In 2025, more than 500 journalists participated in the training sessions organized by Vikes’ “Women in the Media” project. The 220 articles produced as part of the project covered topics such as issues affecting women, politics, and corruption. In Tanzania, Uganda,…
Community radio stations supported by Vikes reach over 15 million people in Tanzania and Uganda
In 2025, more than 400 journalists participated in training sessions organized by Vikes’ East Africa project. These training sessions led to the production of hundreds of programs and articles on disability, climate and environmental issues, and daily life in rural…
Activities and Achievements in 2023
journalists
We train media professionals
In 2023, a total of 480 journalists and documentary filmmakers were trained and professionally supported with Vikes’ assistance.
The topics included investigative journalism, rural journalism, documentary production and editing, identifying hate speech and disinformation, fact-checking and recognizing false information, content creation, leadership, and supporting female leaders in media organizations. Additionally, partners were supported in managing websites and radio portals, reporting, formalizing institutions, and in governance-related activities.
partners
We promote freedom of expression in developing countries
Vikes had a total of 15 media organizations, media houses, or trade unions as partners in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to concrete outputs such as articles and documentaries, the capacity of partners is strengthened, which in turn strengthens local civil society.
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women
We support equality and female journalists
Female journalists face particular challenges in many countries. They are a minority in journalism, there are few in leadership positions, and harassment is not uncommon. In all of Vikes’ projects, we aim for gender equality. In 2023, 66% of the participants in our training programs were women.
Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless…
Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless…
Supporters of our work
Donors
Partner organizations
MEMBERSHIPS AND NETWORKS
We work on development cooperation projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In Finland, we train journalists and media students on topics such as sustainable development and the importance of diversity and pluralism in the media.