By Fatou Sillah
The Chinese Embassy in Banjul organized the inaugural China-Gambia Bantaba for alumni of the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) Program. Held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, the event focused on the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Journalists to Foster Gambia-China Relations.”
Designed to deepen the bond and understanding between the people of China and The Gambia, the Bantaba provided a platform for dynamic exchanges between journalists and students.
The CIPCC Program offers a four-month immersive experience in China for journalists from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions, promoting media exchange and fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and policies. Participants engage in lectures, cultural tours, and field visits, and interact with Chinese media professionals, government officials, and experts. Highlights include covering major events like the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and interning with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The program emphasizes the critical role of media in bridging cultural divides, sharing development practices, and fostering global collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jin underscored the importance of media in enhancing the partnership between China and The Gambia.
“We launched this China-Gambia Bantaba and centered the opening event on youth empowerment and China-Gambia friendship, with the theme “CIPCC Alumni Experience Sharing Event: Empowering the Next Generation of Journalists to Foster Gambia-China Relations”, with the aim of providing an opportunity for Gambian youths who aspire to a career in journalism to have-face-to-face discussions with outstanding Gambian journalists who have experience in China,
“Today, we have invited a number of outstanding young journalists to be the panelists. Through their participation in the China International Press Communication Center program in China, they not only received media training and improved their professional skills, but also witnessed and reported on a large number of stories of China-Gambia friendship and China’s development,” he said.
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, also addressed the audience, underlining the importance of the media in promoting connections between policymakers and fostering international cooperation, while emphasizing the important role of the media.
“The event is held at a time marked by growing recognition of the critical role journalists play in promoting international diplomacy and understanding. Journalists are the bearers of truth and the voice of the people, they are essential to safeguarding transparency and accountability, their work ensures that diverse voices are heard, injustice are exposed and public interest remains at heart,” He Said.
Ousman Bah, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for involving students, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in fostering global connections.
Other notable speakers included Abdoulie Sey, Director General of GRTS, and Malick Kan, Director General of QTV Gambia, who commended the event and the opportunities provided by the CIPCC program for Gambian journalists.
A key highlight of the Bantaba was a panel discussion where CIPCC alumni shared personal stories from their time in China. Media organizations such as The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), Kerr Fatou Media, Standard Newspaper, and QTV Gambia have benefited significantly from the program.
The inaugural China-Gambia Bantaba marks a milestone in fostering media-driven cultural and diplomatic collaboration, showcasing the power of journalism in building bridges between nations.