The Media Association of Puntland in collaboration with National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ) and Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES) conducted three day workshop for at least 30 journalists drawn all media stations in Puntland.

The workshop which was mainly focused on Principles of Journalism, Freedom of Expression and Ethics, supported by Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland was intended on enhancing Somali media industry.

Puntland minister of Information Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indha-guran) who officially opened the workshop cordially welcomed the effort made by Finnish Foundation for Media and Development.

“I do think this delegation all the way from Finland just to development Somali media, and would therefore like to urge them return and train Puntland journalist more often”, notes Indha-Guran

VIKES program Coordinator, Peik Johansson, speaking at the opening of the three day workshop stated these workshops are not only limited, as they are planning to development Puntland TV/Radio, a government-run Television and Radio station in Garowe.

General Secretary of the National Union of Somali Journalists (Nusoj) Mohamed Ibrahim expressed his delight to have organized this workshop with the Media Association of Puntland (MAP). Thanking the VIKES team for the outstanding efforts on developing Somali media.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, MAP Secretary General Fatima Mohamed Mohamud urged participates to take full advantage of this three-day long training which will help them shape their reporting and storytelling experience.

“I’m calling up on participants have had the chance to make here today make sure of this important training focused on Principles of Journalism, Freedom of Expression and Ethics”. Adds Mohamed

This is the first time such a joint workshop by Media Association of Puntland in collaboration with National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ) is held in Puntland state capital, Garowe.