Hi, I'm Helena

I'm Helena Kreiensiek, an independent foreign correspondent and photojournalist. I am currently anchored in Dakar, Senegal. My curiosity drives me to cover diverse topics across the entire continent and I have extensive work experience in Uganda, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Jordan.

Proficient in German, English, and French, I work in all three languages. My academic journey led me to earn a master's degree in International Crimes, Criminology, and Conflict from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Additionally, I hold a bachelor's degree in International Politics and History from Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. 

I am also a holder of the #EverydayNile geodata-journalism grant, that bridges the realms of environmental journalism and science. I have also appeared as a Speaker at the Science Journalism Forum 2022.  Previously, I worked as a media trainer on peace and conflict sensitive journalism in the Great Lakes Region.

I believe that constructive journalism can inspire positive change.