The much-talked about capacity gap that exists in the Gambian media will soon become history when the first batch of GPU/Games Project diploma students finish their course in 2011.
As many as twenty journalists from different media outlets in the country on Monday December 7th 2009 began a two-year diploma course in journalism.
The course supported by the government of Denmark is described by many as unprecedented in the history of the Gambian media.
The overall objective of the training is to enhance the capacity of Gambian journalists and media to play a proactive role in the development of democracy, human rights and transparent governance, and informing and empowering the public.
The ultimate goal is to contribute to professional and responsible media in The Gambia and to contribute to nation-building, empowerment of the public and strengthening democracy.
As a course participant, myself I took the opportunity to sound the opinion of some of the participants.
Bellow is what they told me:
"It is a fantastic opportunity that has already broadened my horizons as far as journalism is concerned. It is my fervent hope that I shall be a much better journalist at the conclusion of the course," said Sainey Darboe, a reporter with Today Newspaper.
Lamin Njie, a senior reporter at The Daily News, said "The course is a rare opportunity that every Gambian journalist should not miss.
"We don't have a school of journalism in this country so this course is a window of opportunity for us to grab," he stated.
"I feel great to be part of this noble course, and is my first opportunity to be part of such important course. Having this opportunity makes me feel great and I hope to gain a lot from it," said Annia Gaye, a reporter with Foroyaa Newspaper.
Fatou Touray of The Gambia Info, formerly The Gambia Daily, said "I am much happy and impressed with the course, the course is long overdue and it will build our capacities in the field."
Sainabou Kujabi, Head of Sports Desk at the Point Newspaper said, ?" believe my participation in this course will not only help in exposing me to international professional media standards in line with the Gambia Press Union Code of Conduct but to also serve as a trainer to fellow press men."
"Learning new skills in basic photo journalism, radio and web journalism will be an added advantage in my quest to improve myself as a young writer."
"The Gambia media is predominantly dominated by men. I believe my participation and training in these areas will go a long way towards bridging the gap between the male dominance in the Gambian media."
Isatou Bittaye of Foroyaa Newspaper said: "I am very happy and grateful to be part of this course as it is a very good opportunity for us-young journalists."
"The course will help me in the execution of my duties as a journalist in order to contribute to the development of this noble profession.
"I thank the GPU for organising the course and the sponsors. I urge all my fellows to utilise this opportunity effectively and responsibly."
Musa Ndow, a senior reporter with the Daily Observer said "Well the course is a very good one, it is one such in my years of professional journalism. I believe the two year-programme would enhance my writing and reporting skills. I thank GPU and Games-project for the initiative, and the government of The Gambia for giving us the conducive environment to go ahead with the programme."
Aminata Sanneh of Business Digest said, "I am very excited, this is an opportunity that can enhance my skills."
Alice Gaye of The Voice also expressed delight to be part of the course.
