Bamako
PICA started its development program in the Republic of Mali by organizing the first training course for 50 journalists and media trainees in the capital Bamako. The program was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Mali, Mali Ministry of Higher Education and the Palestinian News Agency, WAFA, for the benefit of the Higher Institute of Management and Media and the National School of Journalism and Media.
PICA Director General, Imad Al-Zuhairًi, stated that this specialized course comes within the framework of the development programs carried out by PICA in the African continent, based on the strategy and plans adopted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and Chairman of the Board of Directors, his excellency, Dr. Riad Malki. Moreover, the program is an implementation of his excellency, President Mahmoud Abbas’ instructions to transfer the Palestinian experience in all fields in order to enhance bilateral cooperation with the African countries, especially in the development fields as a contribution from the State of Palestine to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to mobilize more solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
This specialized course is carried out by media experts Khalil Rabaa and Mohamed Mehna, with the participation of the diplomatic attaché from PICA, Lamar Kirresh, and in cooperation with the Palestinian embassy staff in Bamako. It will mainly enhance Malian trainees’ capabilities, elevate their individual and collective performance in the fields of written journalism, and introduce them to the latest techniques in the fields of photography and production through a practical application that will positively be reflected on the performance of their media institutions.
The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Mali, Hadi Shibli, stated that this specialized media course, which is organized for three consecutive days, comes within the framework of the comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement between the two countries. Such agreement establishes a solid base for launching a series of activities, courses and programs to be implemented by PICA in the Republic of Mali and other neighboring African countries.
On the other hand, Deputy Minister of Mali Ministry of National Education expressed his gratitude for the State of Palestine for implementing this course, which is the first of its kind in Mali. He also wished to expand the cooperation between the two countries to include other educational fields in order to strengthen human capacities in Mali and benefit from the distinguished Palestinian experiences.