At least 20 Gambian journalists including aspiring media practitioners selected by the Gambia Press Union (GPU) to undergo a two-year Professional Reporters Diploma Programme(PRDP) will commence on Monday at the GPU Secretariat in Bakau. Two Daily Observer reporters -Meita Touray and Zainab Faal, will take part in this programme.

During the orientation ceremony held at the GPU Secretariat, Gibairu Janneh, the executive director of GPU, underscored the importance the Union attaches to the training of journalists in transforming the country's media. "Journalism is an important and noble profession," he said. Janneh used the forum to congratulate the selected 20 for making it through the selection process.

He revealed that out of 150 applicants, 35 candidates wereshortlisted, from which the final 20 candidates emerged. Janneh thus tasked the candidates to staythe course as they are climbing through an academic ladder in which commitment and dedication are expected of them.

The GPU boss also informed the gathering that the course has secured lecturers from The Gambia and Denmark. "The programme will entail modules inco-journalism skills, analytical skills, English language, sports reporting, press laws, ethics, IT, interviews, amongst other related areas," he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Gambian lecturers, Marcel Thomasi, a veteran journalist, tasked the candidates to get prepared for the intensive advanced two-year course. He urged the candidates to take English language seriously as it is the tool of communication for Gambian journalists.

Meita Touray thanked the Observer Company under whose name she was recommended for the course. She said that journalism has ever been her aspiration, adding that this course will help her actualise her dreams.