The United Nations and the National government have pledged to support free press and media development in South Sudan.
This came during the graduation of 29 journalists who completed the one-year advanced certificate course in journalism at Media Development Institute in Juba.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Jacob Maiju Korok acknowledges the efforts of the Media Development Institute in building and producing journalists.
He says the training has improved media content and information sharing in the country.
The Minister has reiterated his government continues supports the work and activities of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) to achieve its goals.
Dr. Korok has further commended the support of the partners to the development of the media industry in the young nation
He has urged media practitioners in the country to avoid misleading Information and work to provide accurate information to the public.
The UN cultural organization UNESCO Representative Becu Thomas, says the institute is filling the gaps at time the media expertise is needed most.
He called on journalists to be ambassadors of professional journalism.
“Be the voice of voiceless telling their true stories, report facts, refrain from hate speeches and use the media to promote peace,” says Thomas.
Thomas encourages journalists to cover stories that impact people lives include gender equality, climate change, literacy and role of culture in peace building.
Koang Pal, the Chairperson of AMDISS commence the support of donors and called the journalists to remain accurate “ It’s your responsibility as journalist to give right information to the citizens,” said Koang Pal, AMDISS Chairperson.
“The skills you’ve acquired make you ready for Freeland reporting. We need to dig out in order to share with the people. That’s to say, to inform, educate or advocate for positive change in our society,” AMDISS Director, Michael Duku.
Ayaa Irene, MDI Principal says the sector need journalists most than ever. She told the graduates not let people down. “I know that MDI graduates will always be at the center of building a strong vibrant media in this country.”
Media Development Institute a training wing of Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) admits trainee journalists every year.