Continuing their familiarisation tour of media chiefs and stakeholders, executive members of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG), on Wednesday, December 5, met Sam Sarr, editor-in-chief of Foroyaa newspaper at his office in Churchill’s Town.

Speaking at the meeting, Nfamara Jawneh, president of YJAG, outlined the aims and objectives of the association.

Jawneh commended Sam Sarr for organising in-house trainings for Foroyaa journalists, and called on other heads of media institutions to emulate him.

The YJAG president appealed to Mr Sarr to increase the salaries of the young journalists in Foroyaa and promote the deserving reporters. He also called on other media chiefs to consider his appeal on behalf of the young journalists of this country.

Mr Jawneh then used the occasion to officially invite Mr Sarr to YJAG’s official launching, slated for January 31, 2008 and also honoured him as an honorary member of the association.

For her part, Aminata Sanneh, treasurer of YJAG, appealed to all media chiefs to invest in building the capacities of the young journalists. She called on all stakeholders to support YJAG.

In response to YJAG’s call, Sam Sarr commended YJAG for the brilliant initiative. He welcomed the idea of becoming an honorary member of the association and also pledged one thousand dalasi (D1,000) as Foroyaa Newspaper’s contribution to YJAG’s launching.

Mr Sarr advised YJAG to facilitate the integration of young journalists into the field of journalism and called on them to  organise training workshops for young journalists.

On the issue of salary increament, Mr Sarr said that newspaper circulation is restricted, noting that a good number of people cannot buy the papers. “We owe a moral obligation to give you what is satisfactory for your survival,” Sam Sarr observed. He promised that the issue will be discussed.

Musa Ndow, first vice-president of YJAG, delivered the vote of thanks.