Media practitioners in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal's State concluded a three-day media empowerment workshop on Thursday with calls for support to media houses and improved freedom of the press.
More than 40 participants from different media houses participated in the workshop aimed at imparting journalists with essential skills.
Speaking at the closing session of the workshop on Thursday, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State cabinet affairs minister Sebastiona Uchan Kiech underscored the importance of the media saying when skilled, journalists can inform and educate the masses.
“Journalism is the cornerstone of every nation and community, journalism is the backbone for everlasting peace wherever you are. If you are a good journalist and good correspondent, the message goes to wherever you want it to go," Uchan said.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)’s Head of Field Office in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Ataklti Hailu, said the media industry in the country needs to be strengthened by the government and partners.
“Dear participants, I am very happy and so grateful to all of you for attending a three-day workshop. Three days were not easy for someone if there was no commitment, but it shows the commitment and professionalism you have," Hailu said. "It is clear that the media industry in South Sudan is still young so it still is a challenge that needs to be addressed collectively.”
The former Aweil Radio and TV manager who represented the participants, Upieu Jongkor, admitted that media practitioners and especially journalists need more training.
“The state and people were affected by the civil war and there were no opportunities for capacity building. Some challenges affect media in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Therefore, we urge the UNMISS and ministry of information to conduct more training so that we will have more skills,” Jongkor said.
The workshop was carried out by the Northern Bahr el Ghazal information and communication ministry with funding from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).