Africa-Press – Gambia. Six Gambian journalists are in China attending a seminar for young media professionals drawn from six countries across the globe under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The two-week seminar, organised by Zhejiang Normal University and sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, brings together 34 participants from six countries: The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Tanzania, Türkiye, and Uruguay.
Lecturers are taking participants through a range of topics, including the management and operation of China’s media industry, the Communist Party of China and Chinese modernization, social media and national image, as well as AI and the transformation of journalism.
Addressing the gathering at the start of the programme, Zhu Yifeng, Vice President of Zhejiang Normal University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting regional economic and social development while contributing to national strategic initiatives. He says the seminar aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Chinese culture through lectures, visits, and cultural exchanges.
“Over the past 69 years since its establishment, the university has cultivated more than 400,000 professionals in diverse fields. It is a university with a clear sense of mission and substantial strength, with 10 disciplines ranked within the ESI Top 1% globally,” Mr. Yifeng noted.
Mr. Yifeng added that Zhejiang Normal University was among the first four foreign-aid education bases approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, emphasising its strong role in China–Africa Cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
He expressed optimism that the seminar would deepen collaboration between participating countries, describing the Belt and Road Initiative as “not merely a concept on paper, but a practice of people-to-people connectivity.”
Representing the participants, Basma Sabry Mohamed commended the organisers for hosting what she described as a “crucial platform” for young media professionals.
“We anticipate that this seminar will provide us with an in-depth understanding of China’s dynamic media landscape, its innovative approaches to journalism and communication, and the integration of media, culture, and technology to support national development,” she said.
She adds that the participants look forward to gaining insights into China’s creative industries, including film, television, and new media production, as well as strategies that enhance cultural communication and international cooperation.
The seminar employs a mix of teaching methods lectures, discussions, field visits, and cultural activities, aimed at showcasing China’s practical experience in journalism, communication, and national development.
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