USA invests USD 25 million in training Angolan journalists

Luanda - A project valued at 25 million dollars will be implemented, starting in September this year, to strengthen the capabilities of journalists in carrying out their tasks, effectively and safely, announced this Friday, in Luanda, the ambassador from the United States of America (USA) in Angola and São Tomé, Tulinabo Mushingi.

The diplomat spoke at the "Press Freedom" award ceremony, promoted by the Union of Angolan Journalists (SJA), in partnership with MISA-Angola.

Without detailing the project, the ambassador emphasized that the United States of America has supported the training and training of more than five hundred journalists in Angola, and has sent dozens of professionals to the USA.

He also spoke of a project to promote press freedom, valued at 250 thousand dollars, which is taking place within the scope of growing cooperation between the USA and Angola.

He explained that it aims to respond to requests from journalists, to develop and implement projects that offer investigative and specialized training to professionals in the areas of combating corruption, social inclusion and recognized standards for press freedom journalism.

Tulinabo Mushingi said, on the other hand, that a free press constitutes a fundamental part of open and democratic societies around the world.

According to the diplomat, the public competition is underway for the subsidy program for the Embassy's public diplomacy section, worth 150 thousand dollars.

Angolan journalist Israel Campos won the first edition of the "Freedom of the Press" award, with the play "Widows of the drought", having won, as a prize, a statuette and one million kwanzas.

In the honorable mention category, the distinction was given to Novo Jornal, for its performance and trajectory in disseminating generalist materials.

The award was established on May 3, 2023, during the first National Conference of Journalists. It aims to reinforce and enhance the performance of media professionals in the country.

The award distinguishes journalists for their quality, audacity, commitment to the truth and encourages true investigative journalism.

Journalistic works published from May 2023 to February 2024 were evaluated, which contributed to strengthening press freedom.

May 3rd was established by UNESCO as Press Freedom Day to celebrate the free and independent exercise of Journalism in the world. SJ/OHA