A four day training workshop is under way at the Tango Resource Center in Fajara.M.section from 28- 30 July 2008. The training is organized by Gambia Press Union with support from WAJA- and African Capacity Building Foundation ACBF, the workshop is aimed at training 30 journalists to have skills in other to report accurately.

 In her welcoming remarks the president of the GPU Ndye Tapha Sosseh, expressed delight that the theme happens to dwell on an issue of great concern to the union. The union has continually sought to improve on the capacities of various cadres of media practitioners and this is but another step in that direction.

As we all know too well the world of journalism evolves on a daily basis and the only way to keep abreast is to engage in continuous career and skill improvement activities.

She said the G.P.U is well aware that the average Gambian journalist can ill afford to personally finance such a training .She said the workshop is a unique opportunity for participants, most of whom are mid-career journalists to not only learn new things but share experience.

She urged journalists to adhere to ethics and professional standards specially in specialized and sensitive reporting, to proactively seek stories of national interest and to continue to use various media out let’s to educate on issues such as the reporting on children, access to information, human rights and gender.

Deputizing for the SoS of Information Mrs. Fatima Badgie, Mr. Abdou Karim Sonko, deputy permanent secretary, thank the Gambia Press Union for taking this laudable initiative in organizing such an important training workshop which we all know, this country really needs more of this. He said with the information revolution characterized by an emerging information society, the role of journalists has become pertinent and ever more crucial for the socio-economic development of the Gambia. Mr. Sonko went on to say the duty of the journalist is one of seeking the truth and providing a fair, comprehensive and balanced account of events and issues.

He urged the journalists from all works of media specialties should strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. According to him, this training would be physically rewarding, for it will better prepare the participants to face the challenges and work towards the attainment of such credibility and to enhance greater understanding of the intricacies involved in journalism as a profession.

Sonko said his department has recognized the existence of this significant knowledge gap in journalism practice in the Gambia, therefore the department of state fully supports such initiatives. As a matter of fact, the University of the Gambia is currently considering the introduction of journalism courses.Other speakers include Mr.Alpha Sall, WAJA representative who also express similar sentiments.