The Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) is this month celebrating its 9th year anniversary under the theme: ‘Role of Journalists in The Gambia’s Democratization Process’.
Since
its formation on 16th September 2007, YJAG continues to play a critical role in
the advancement of the media industry and the country as a whole.
Many
high school students were inspired and encouraged to consider venturing into
the journalism career after their graduation thanks to YJAG’s trainings.
YJAG
members across the country are handling critical editorial duties in various
media houses and are performing very well.
As
we mark this year’s anniversary, we would like to reflect on some of the
founding principles and objectives of the association which includes to promote
press freedom and freedom of expression in the country and to promote the
welfare of our members.
During
the past nine years of our existence, we have witnessed unprecedented press
freedom violations thus forcing many young and promising journalists to go in
exile including some of our members.
As
we prepare for the forthcoming presidential elections in December, YJAG is very
much concerned about the plight of its members who will be covering the
political campaigns of various presidential candidates.
We
therefore urge authorities and stakeholders particularly security forces,
Independent Electoral Commission, political parties and their supporters to
allow journalists to carry out their duties freely in the upcoming elections.
By
so doing, we would be able to contribute meaningfully in the country’s
democratization process and by holding candidates accountable to the people to
enable them make informed choices.
In
the same vein, we would like to encourage media houses in the country to do
more for their reporters especially young ones by providing them attractive
incentives to encourage them perform even much better.
On
this special day of ours, we are calling on the government of the Gambia to
consider repelling all draconian media laws to make the country a safe haven
for journalists.
To
the members of YJAG, we encourage you all to remain committed to the
development of the association and pay your dues on time.
About
YJAG
The
Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) is an independent non-profit
making organization. The association was
formed by a group of young journalists with foresight and vision who thought it
wise to come together to promote mutual understanding and the general wellbeing
of young journalists in the country.
The
association was legally registered with the Attorney General’s Chamber on 16th
September, 2007. YJAG has members from
both the print and electronic media houses nationwide, as well as aspiring
journalists from press clubs of senior secondary schools. The objectives of the association include
promoting press freedom and freedom of expression, promoting unity among young
journalists; provide capacity building, and addressing the welfare of its
members, among others.
The
association is also tasked with the responsibility to facilitate the
recruitment of aspiring journalists into the profession. Since its
establishment 9 years ago, the association has contributed tremendously to the
development of the Gambian media industry, especially on capacity building of
its members on news reporting as well as advocating for press freedom and
freedom of expression in the country.
