Do you have what it takes to be an on the ground reporter?
As a reporter, your mission is to get as much information as possible about different events happening in Sudan.
Take the test and find out if you have what it takes to be a journalist on the ground in Sudan.
Good luck!
Background info:
Years of civil war have had disastrous effects on daily life for the people of Sudan. The country has been struggling with famine, corruption, rape, and even murder. Being a journalist is complicated and dangerous. Many of Radio Dabanga's own journalists have been forced to flee their homes and country because of threats to their basic human rights and personal freedoms.
PS. Thank you for the help of On the Ground Reporter and all its participants in the making of this quiz.
Take the test and find out if you have what it takes to be a journalist on the ground in Sudan.
Good luck!
Background info:
Years of civil war have had disastrous effects on daily life for the people of Sudan. The country has been struggling with famine, corruption, rape, and even murder. Being a journalist is complicated and dangerous. Many of Radio Dabanga's own journalists have been forced to flee their homes and country because of threats to their basic human rights and personal freedoms.
PS. Thank you for the help of On the Ground Reporter and all its participants in the making of this quiz.
Question 1: To get a VISA for Sudan, please indicate the purpose of your visit here
A. Journalist
B. Aid agency employee
C. Tourist
D. Other
Answer 1: D
Journalists and aid workers travelling to Sudan will not be allowed in and it is very suspicious to go as a tourist to Sudan. Journalists must have a good back story to be able to enter.
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Question 2: Who are the Janjaweed?
A. Herdsmen
B. Accomplices of the Sudanese government
C. Terrorists from Chad
D. All of the above
Answer 2: B
The Janjaweed are a militia that operate in western Sudan and eastern Chad. They comprise Arab tribes, the core of whom are from the Abbala (camel herder) background with significant recruitment from the Baggara people.
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Question 3: You enter a village in Darfur and someone asks you why you're there. How do you reply?
A. I'm an aid worker from the UN
B. I'm a journalist working for Radio Dabanga
C. I'm a tourist
D. I'm here as a journalist
Answer 3: D
Saying that you're working for Radio Dabanga could potentially put you in danger. So be as honest as you can, but don't take unnecessary risks. Only tell people that you're working for Radio Dabanga if you know you can trust them.
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Question 4: A radio message was intercepted. The village you're staying in is about to be bombarded by an aircraft. What do you do?
A. Take shelter in a tent
B. Flee with the jeep of the Fur, the largest ethnic group in the Darfur region of western Sudan.
C. Stay where you are, they won't bomb a village of civilians
D. Hide in a ditch
Answer 4: B or D
It is dangerous to stay in the village, so you must flee if you can. If not, hide in a ditch made especially for these kinds of attacks. Before traveling to Sudan, read up on the local ethnic or rebel groups to find out who are safe and who aren't.
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Question 5: You are thirsty after a long day. Where can you find some water?
A. Ask a local for help or to give you some water.
B. Buy water from the shop. (Closest one is 20km away.)
C. Try to purify your own water.
D. You can't trust the locals so you try to find water on your own.
Answer 5: A or B
People on the street will be able to help you find water or provide directions to a shop. Purifying your own water could potentially work, but you never know if there's a waterborne disease such as cholera.
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Question 6: You want to report on the kidnapping of farm workers in village in Darfur. Who should you interview for more information?
A. Relatives of the farm workers.
B. Sudanese government official.
C. A rebel movement in that area.
D. An international aid agency in the area.
E. All of the above
Answer 6: E
As a reporter you need to gather as much information as you can. Talk to people who were or knew those at the event. But even local rebel groups or the government can be a source of information.
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Question 7: You are a photojournalist, covering a protest for Radio Dabanga in the centre of Khartoum. You want to capture the protest, what do you do?
A. You decide not to take photographs and make sure your camera is hidden at all times.
B. You take a few photos with your professional camera and try to blend in the crowd so it's not obvious that you are covering the event for a story.
C. You use your phone instead of your professional camera to make sure you don't draw too much attention.
D. You need to get good photos and don't worry about people knowing that you are a journalist.
Answer 7: C
It's too dangerous to use a professional camera, so it's best to use your phone. Sudan has an excellent secret service, who will make your life difficult if they find out you work with or for Radio Dabanga.
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Question 8: You are staying in a village, witnessing an attack. As a journalist you want to report it, what do you do?
A. You film or photograph the attack with your phone. Once it's over or you are in a safe place you post it on social media.
B. You briefly and discreetly film or photograph the attack with your phone. Once you are in a safe place you contact an editor of Radio Dabanga.
C. You hold up your camera and make it clear that you are filming the scene. It will make the violence stop as the militia will not want evidence of what is happening published.
D. Do nothing, it is most important to keep yourself safe.
Answer 8: B or D
Only capture an event if it's safe, never put yourself/others in danger. Never post on social media unless you're out of the country, it's unsafe as the security service might track you down. Instead, send your footage/photo's to an editor.
Do you have what it takes? Find out on the next page -->
Alas, you don't have what it takes.
Unfortunately, according to this quiz you need some more preparation and training. Well, it certainly is difficult to be a reporter in Sudan.
You can still help those most in need in Sudan with life-saving, independent news. Donate to Radio Dabanga's crowdfunding campaign! By donating two minutes, ten minutes, one hour, to even a few days of airtime, you will allow us to continue to deliver life-saving information. Together we will keep Radio Dabanga on air!
Support our crowdfunding campaign!
Congratulations. You have what it takes!
Well done! According to this quiz you have an idea of the difficulties and challenges of being an on the ground reporter in Sudan.
Now you understand the challenges of reporting from and in Sudan. So help us deliver life-saving, independent news. Donate to Radio Dabanga's crowdfunding campaign! By donating two minutes, ten minutes, one hour, to even a few days of airtime, you will allow us to continue to deliver life-saving information. Together we will keep Radio Dabanga on air!