Twenty-seven Gambian journalists who are currently undergoing
the UNESCO sponsored journalism training in the Gambia have been trained
on the modern information system at the UNESCO BREDA resource centre
in Dakar Senegal.
The
week long training, which aimed at building the capacity of journalist
to effectively function in their profession of journalism exposed the
journalist on computer literacy, including radio and accessibility to
the world space satellite information system. Since information has
become the component in the development of any nation, the training
as according to Lamin Dibba, a participant to the training, would help
in building their journalism arsenals, as well as facilitate their work
as journalist. The need for first hand knowledge on computer and other
information system in this modern age of technological advancement cannot
be over emphasized. And as such, the training is indeed worth welcoming.
"We do have acute difficulties in typing our stories and some of
us do know very little about the colossal function of the computers,
but with the training we under went, will be able to deliver effectively
and efficiently", Mr Dibba explained.
Speaking earlier, Madame Jeanne Seck, UNESCO BREDA information and
communication, adviser who scrolled down the course content, challenged
the participants not to down look the knowledge on computers, noting
that its important and impact in the work of a journalist is highly
advantageous.
According
to Mr Baboucarr Gaye, coordinator of the UNESCO sponsored journalism
training in the Gambia, said the training is a component of the course
content amongst others. It will help the trainees to apply their journalism
skills by getting access to a wider range of information on the net
as well as facilitating their work in contributing to social debates
and informing the public at large.
The one week training has given us wider knowledge in different basic
areas of communication. The introduction to basic computer, World Space
and, radio operation and programme presentation, has developed our skills
in communication as a broadcast journalist.
The areas we visited have also helped us understand better;
the mode of operation, as some institutions were just heard by names.
Amongst the places we visited includes:
·
AT Walfadjri Radio Station, we were able to have a first hand
knowledge of the station's operations; that is, the kinds of programmes
they presents and their human resource capacity. The belief that the
radio station are critics of governments both nationally and internationally
was dispelled by their Programme Officer, Mr Ndiaye, to our own understanding.
Amongst the things that impressed me the most is their movement from
analogue to digital equipments. They operate with mini-disc and has
gone some steps higher unlike so many radio stations in The Gambia.
Their drive toward opening a new television is worth commendation.
·
When we visited PANAPRESS, we were made to believe that Africa
can unite and better governed with the help of journalists. The institution
as an African medium could be able to bring together African people
despite the diversity of the peoples and different sovereignties. The
institution is also a way out for young journalists who are also aspiring
to become good international journalists by using there stories which
will improve your skills and will also giving the journalists a way
of earning for sustainability.
·
At RTS, we were very impressed with the way we were taken to
a conducted tour around the radio and television offices and studios
by Mr Bah. I was even quick to learn a basic rule in Camera Directing
for TV. I would also like to commend the Senegalese Government and the
Management of RTS for giving the TV and Radio stations the chance to
move from analogue to digital, especially their presence in the satellite
(SEN-INTER).
·
At CESTI, the history of one of the greatest sons of Africa was
revealed to us and his achievements were also discussed. The certificate
courses in communications was also introduced to us. As a broadcast
(TV) journalist we would like to see ourselves enrolled soon at CESTI
to further our education. It would be a pleasure to see UNESCO working
on the modalities to conduct distant learning or another way, to enhance
a better and effective journalism in The Gambia, especially our batch,
the first to attend such a training nationally.
By Ebrima Jaw manneh
and Pa Modou Faal
