2000

 Traumatised by the 1994th drama of “radio mile collines” in Rwanda, Mélanie Djédé, who then was the German Development Service’s (DED) national director ) in Burkina Faso, decides to contribute to the education of journalists with her organisation. She then initiates a study reviewing the actual needs of the Media in Burkina Faso.

2001

 Creation of a journalists’ association who meets every last Friday of the month in an informal setting to talk about questions regarding their work. A technical assistant, Inga Lohse, who is responsible for the DED’s public relations , is put in charge of advising the association.
 First trainings in basic journalism and informatics/ computer literacy/ edp/ electronic data processing

2002-2003

 The trainings are widely appreciated. As the demand increases, the technical assistant sees the need for a more professional organisation
- Some DED events were covered by the media

2003-2006 Preparation for Autonomy

 A new technical assistant of the DED, Bettina Taraki, dedicates herself exclusively to the promotion of media. She is supported by a junior technical assistant, Susanne Fuchs. The network’s meetings are reorganized and take place at the national press centre Norbert Zongo, from now on.
 Continuation of the monthly meetings and more specific trainings (image rights, (professional) ethics, handling of information)

2006

 Susanne Fuchs substitutes Bettina Taraki as technical assistant in media promotion
 Elaboration of the first strategic plan for the RIJ (2003-2005)
Continuation of monthly meetings and more specific trainings ((professional) ethics, investigative journalism, creation and handling of blogs, processing of photos, sound and text)
 Introduction of cultural evenings and special subject days

2007-2008 Opening up for new partnerships

2007

 Training and production trip with 10 journalists and the technical assistant to Benin, Togo and Ghana in August 2007,supported by the national office for communication (Onatel), the DED and a contribution of each participant
 Continuation of monthly meetings, specific trainings, cultural evenings and special subject days
 A blog is set up

2008 : Opportunity for a formalisation of the RIJ

 Production trip, supported by the Goethe Institute to Abidjan, with 10 journalists and the technical assistant
 Production trip to Tougan concerning the subject “la vie chère” (increased cost of living)
 Production trip to Banfora, Sindou and the border of Ivory Coast, to Orodara and Bobo-Dioulasso
 Continuation of monthly meetings, specific trainings, cultural evenings and special subject days
 Setting-up the website www.rij-burkina.org
 The RIJ’s General Assembly (balance of the former strategic plan and introduction of a succeeding one, opportunity for the network’s formalisation )
 After Susanne Fuchs, Alexandra Leon takes the post of the consultant for media promotion for the DED

2009 Ahead with big steps

 Production trip to Kaya, visit of different radio stations and musicians
 Production trip to Pô, visit of the park Nazinga and crossing of the border to Ghana
 The RIJ’s General Assembly (election of the new executive team and adjustment of the statute as well as internal regulations in order to prepare for a formalisation of the network)Training in Kaya “gathering and usage of information”
- Study and exchange trip to Mali, visit of Ségou and Bamako
- Production trip to Gaoua, visit of the mayor and a gold seekers’ village near Kampti
 Cooperation with the Goethe Institute and the Deutsche Welle
 Continuation of monthly meetings, specific trainings, cultural evenings and special subject days