Changsha—A group of thirty Burkinabe journalists and communicators has embarked on a comprehensive training program in Changsha, Hunan Province, focusing on various aspects of media management and the role of media in fostering international cooperation.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the training titled “Training course for media managers in Burkina Faso” commenced on October 11 and will run until October 31, 2024. It brings together participants from both state and private sectors, involving 17 lectures at the Hunan International Trade Professional Institute, 12 field trips across Changsha Municipality and Hunan Province, and practical internships to enhance skills in new media and digital transformation, among other topics.
The program covers an extensive curriculum including poverty reduction strategies, writing and reporting skills, new media, intercultural communication, multimedia production, and leadership in media. Participants will visit major local media outlets and educational institutions such as Hunan Evening News, Hunan Radio and Television Group, and several universities and professional institutes within the region.
The initiative, part of ongoing Sino-Burkinabe cooperation, is supported by the Chinese government through its Ministry of Commerce and aims to bolster dialogue and professional development between the two countries. Bakary Koné, head of the Burkinabe delegation and an official at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Communication, highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing professional skills and promoting international dialogue.
“This training session provides an invaluable opportunity for our media professionals to gain firsthand insight into China’s media landscape and develop skills that are crucial in today’s digital age,” Koné stated during the opening ceremony at the Meyes Hotel.
The seminar not only aims to build media capacity but also to strengthen the cultural and professional ties between Burkina Faso and China, with hopes to further enrich the cooperative relationship and explore new avenues in media and communication.