Meet... Isaac Sagala

Isaac Sagala trains journalists on conflict sensitive reporting as well as radio productions. This includes aspects of creative radio programming which gives local audiences relevant information in innovative ways. 

What do you like most about your work with DW Akademie?

DW Akademie is about innovation, the flow of ideas - it constantly keeps me on my feet as trainer - to be current and relevant. The team work is great, and the level of synergy makes one look forward to training interventions. We pride in considering our participants as colleagues. In the process we are able to learn considerably from their experiences as they learn from us.

What is the biggest challenge in your work?

I don't think much about the challenges, the idea is to turn obstacles into opportunities and hence I hinge towards a solution oriented approach. See, every training is different and there can be some shortcomings. It could be the training venue, the mood, logistical challenges that can be quite frustrating if one allows the circumstances to overwhelm them; so I maintain an open mind - think promptly of possible solutions to address challenges that come my way. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't but at least I know I made the effort to turn a let down into a possibility. When the idea doesn't work, I bet it's a new lesson learnt.

What would you personally like to achieve through your work?

I'm interested in helping young journalists to grow, it gives me great satisfaction to see them thrive in their careers by applying the new skills learnt and merging with their own initiative and hard work. I've been training journalists for over seven years. I am content when they stop me in the streets or call me years later to express gratitude of the little or much input that we made which has impacted their work greatly. That is quite motivating, that you are able to make a contribution and a difference in someone's career, however small. That you have sown a seed, which eventually becomes a fruit a bears plenty of fruit.