Media | Young Journalists Network Training Workshop Officially Opens at AMAP

Bamako, December 26, 2025 - The Young Journalists Network training workshop officially opened on December 26 at the Malian Press and Advertising Agency (AMAP), marking a significant step in promoting responsible and inclusive journalism among children and young people in Mali.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mohamed Ag Albachar, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization, representing the Minister, Alhamdou Ag Ilyène. His presence highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening media capacity and fostering ethical journalism from an early age.

Organized by AMAP, with the technical support of UNICEF and financial backing from Germany (BMZ) and Canada, the workshop is part of the “Children and Media” project. It brings together 17 young aspiring journalists for an intensive training program running from December 26 to 29, 2025.

Over the course of four days, participants will receive hands-on training in journalistic techniques, video editing, and media coverage of climate change, key areas identified as essential for addressing contemporary information challenges. The objective is to equip young journalists with practical skills while fostering critical thinking, ethical standards, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

In his address, Mohamed Ag Albachar underlined the strategic importance of investing in youth training to build a new generation of journalists committed to professionalism, accuracy, and ethics. He commended the strong partnership between AMAP and UNICEF, recalling the decisive support provided by the UN agency during AMAP’s relaunch activities in October 2025.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Abdoulaye Guèye, Acting Deputy Representative of the organization in Mali, emphasized the value of children’s active participation, as well as the principles of diversity and inclusion within the Young Journalists Network. He called on mentors and trainers to fully assume their role as role models and custodians of journalistic ethics, guiding young participants toward responsible media practices.

For his part, the Director General of AMAP stressed the crucial role of journalism in shaping societies, noting that early training in responsible information production is essential in a context marked by misinformation and rapid digital transformation. He reaffirmed AMAP’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young voices and promote quality journalism.

A particularly moving moment of the ceremony was the testimony of a former child journalist, now a professional at ORTM, who shared his personal journey and highlighted the lasting impact of the program on his career path. His experience illustrated the long-term value of investing in youth media education.

This training workshop forms part of a broader national effort to promote children’s expression, value their perspectives, and strengthen citizen journalism as a tool for social cohesion, civic engagement, and the future development of Mali’s media landscape.