US/UK Govt. equip media houses with iMac Computers

The embassy of the Unites States of America in Banjul and the British High Commission to The Gambia yesterday donated seven brand new iMac computers to seven media houses in the country, as part of their ongoing efforts to build the capacity of the Gambian media.

The presentation ceremony of the computers was held at the US Embassy,  following an intensive two-week training on InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator software for the layout editors of the various media houses, with a view to improving on the quality of the layout of their various newspapers.

Conducted by consultant Kodjo J. Isaiah of Insideout Marketing Communications and Victor O. Akuegbonwu of the Freedom Camp International, the training course availed the participants from The Point, Daily Observer, Foroyaa, The Standard, The Daily News, Today and The Gambia Info the chance to learn new techniques with the latest software.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony attended by George Sheriff, deputy British High Commissioner, Ms Pamela Ann White the US ambassador to The Gambia explained that the training session forms part of a joint media development initiative by the US Embassy and British High Commission in the country.

“The initiative includes the donation of a printing press to the Gambian media, a series of training programs over the years, including this layout training project, and the donation of computers, recorders and cameras to the print media houses,” ambassador White stated.

The training course, she added, was conducted after the embassy asked media houses about their needs, and what they needed to improve on.

“As a result, we organized this training on InDesign software which is in line with what the international press community uses, as a means of ensuring that Gambian media utilize the same tools as their international counterparts,” she noted.

She assured the media of their support to boost professionalism in the Gambian media, so that they can report accurately to the general public.

Kodjo Isaiah, the trainer and consultant, presented the work the trainees did during the two-week session including samples of layouts, posters, banners, among others.

He called on participants to share the knowledge gained with those unfortunate to attend the course, adding that there will be a follow-up with all the media houses, to see whether the knowledge learnt is put into practice.

Mary Kanu Thomas, chief layout editor of The Point newspaper, delivered the vote of thanks, and commended the US and British governments for what she described as a timely package.

She assured them that the knowledge gained during their training course will be put into good use.