20 Gambian Journalists Conclude Training on Investigation

By Adama Makasuba

Twenty Gambian journalists on Friday completed a five days intensive training on investigation aimed to capacitate journalists on investigation.

The training that was organized by the Gambia Press Union in collaboration with KONRAD ADENAUR STIFTUNG- a German Non-Governmental Organization, brought together journalists from both the print mainstream and electronic media including the community radios.

Speaking at the closing ceremony at Senegambia hotel, president of the Gambia Press Union, Sheriff Bojang described the trainee’s team as dynamic and that the union looks forward to a brighter future in them.

“I said that during the training that, I don’t know any better time to conduct an investigative training in this training than now. This is the period in consideration of the fact that like Raymond said the Gambia is open for business that means it’s also open for potential corruption when we have multinationals coming in when we have people–the country is a hot cake,” he said.

He challenged the trainees to prove themselves that they have attended the training, adding they were selected out hundreds of journalists and that “to ensure that doors close are open”.

Mr Bojang commended the main sponsor’s KAS for the gesture and assured them that trainees will put the knowledge gained into good practice and assured that “the knowledge gain here will be put into good practice.”

Representing KAS, Mr Thomas said “there cannot be a strong democracy without having strong and self-confidence journalists.”

He assured KAS continues collaboration with Gambia Press Union in order to capacitate Gambian journalists.

For the South African journalist and trainer of the training, Raymond Joseph tasked the trainees to impart the knowledge gained to their colleagues in the newsrooms.

“This is not the end –this is the beginning take it away with you to your newsrooms. Each one, teach one,” he urged the trainees.