Determined to expand knowledge of journalism: Mafugi Ceesay

Mafugi Ceesay, judicial reporter - The Voice

A judicial reporter for The Voice Newspaper in Gambia, Mafugi Ceesay has told The North Bank Evening Standard "I am determined to expand my knowledge of journalism".

Mr. Ceesay was speaking to the publisher  on on March 17, 2012, a few hours before leaving for the Gold Coast of Ghana where he will partake in a two week training on "The Media's Role in Conflict Transformation and Peace Building in West Africa."

The course (March 19-30, 2012), is organised by the International Institute for Journalsm of GIZ - Germany. "I am looking forward to the course and I hope it will help improve my knowledge of conflict reportage and the many factors triggering conflicts in West Africa," said Mr. Ceesay, whose participation is facilitated by the privately-owned newspaper that he works for.

Mafugi Ceesay and three others, Mr. Sainey MK Marenah (judicial reporter of The Point and publisher of Justice), Mr. Lamin Njie and Mrs. Binta Bah (editor and judicial reporter of The Daily News), where invited to attend the course after a rigorous selection process in Berlin, Germany. 

The North Bank Evening Standard understand they will join compatriots from the sub-regional economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo and Benin.

The participants will be exposed to topical issues on Gender Issues from the Perspective of a Journalist; Gender Sensitivity in Conflict Sensitive Reporting: Realities, Trends, Challenges, Skills and subconscious messaging in press photos; Techniques in Conflict Sensitive Reporting; Medialising Conflicts: Consequences for Reporting and How Can the Press Avoid Being Instrumentalised, among other things.

West Africa has for long been grappling with instability due to wars, coups, election crises and politically motivated religious clashes. This, observers say is as a result of "bad governance, corruption, unemployment, poverty and dictatorial regimes" among other things.

 Author: Modou S. Joof

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