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15 Danish Journalists End visit

Nov 21, 2008, 4:20 AM | Article By: Nfamara Jawneh

Some 15 journalists from Denmark, including freelances and press officers under the auspices of DanishSchool of Journalism, on Thursday concluded a week-long study tour in The Gambia.

Speaking to this reporter at the Palm Beach Hotel shortly before their departure, a 53 year old Mr. Arne Bach Nielsen, a member of the team also Press Officer with the Danish Air Force, said they are on a traveled journalism course in the country. "Everybody in the group has traveled all over the world but for most of us this is our first time to visit The Gambia," he said. He added that they decided to choose The Gambia because it's cheap to come here and also safe because the country is peaceful.

"Personally I work at the air control wing of the air force. The unit is responsible for providing regular pictures of the plane and also I served as an editor of the official magazine of the air force between 2002 and 2006," he revealed.

Turning back to the visit, Mr. Nielsen visited a water project in Geboro funded by the Danish Lottery club, Tourist Drivers Association office and also visited the fishermen at the beach. Meanwhile, other members of the team visited places like schools, football plays and hairdressing salons among other places. He described their stay in the country as very interesting and educational.

For his part, Lars Moller, the coach trainer of the team, said similar groups have been coming to The Gambia since 2001 and as a result you find all kinds of stories in different newspapers and magazines in Denmark regarding life in The Gambia and its culture.