Vikes’ partners work in countries (Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras) where democratic development has either stagnated or totally stalled. This is reflected in the manipulation and fraud of electoral systems, growing corruption, restrictions on freedom of expression and the press, and increasing repression of citizens.
Governments seek to control all news, and their own communications are characterised by propaganda and polarising fake news. Countries also lack a strong civil society and representative organisations to support independent media. Both are important, because without a strong civil society and independent media, it will not be possible to put countries back on the path to democracy.
This makes the work of independent media and civil society actors in Central America more important than ever.
Vikes and local partners aim to secure access to information for citizens by supporting independent, innovative and more financially sustainable media and NGOs.
Vikes’ support to journalists continues
Vikes’ work to support journalists in Central America continues. The plans will build on the experiences and good results of previous projects and years.
The digital publications El Faro (El Salvador & Central America) and the Nicaraguan Onda Local (Nicaragua, Costa Rica), the communication unit of the environmental organisation ACCH-Centro Humboldt (Guatemala & Central America) and the La Sala network of Nicaraguan women journalists (Costa Rica & Central America) will continue as our partners.
The work is now being led and done from exile in Costa Rica and Guatemala. In this new context and environment, strengthening partner organizations and increasing capacity has become a priority. All Nicaraguan and Salvadoran partners have staff and operations also inside their countries. Particular attention is paid to their physical security.
In the future, work will focus not only on organizational support, but also on journalistic production with a particular focus on human rights and the environment, and on supporting media run by Nicaraguan female journalists. At the same time, journalistic cooperation between partners and links with civil society actors will be strengthened through co-productions and training.
Expected results
- Journalists and independent media and NGOs are well networked, and their work is strengthened by mutual exchange of information and experience, training and journalistic co-productions.
- High quality information provided by independent media and NGOs reaches a wider audience and minorities.
- Partner organisations have acquired new supporters and sources of funding, strengthened their organizations and capacities and improved their administrative skills.
- The network of women journalists has established itself, the media have become stronger and the network has expanded to a regional level.
Sites:
ONDA LOCAL: https://ondalocalni.com
ACCH – CENTRO HUMBOLDT: https://acch-ca.org
LA SALA: https://lasalamujeresenlaredaccion.org/agenda-mediatica/
EL FARO: https://elfaro.net/es?ref=inicio
