Congratulations to these 20 young, creative, enthusiastic Malian media professionals for finishing a unique virtual exchange program. DCM Richard Nicholson recognized 20 competitively selected aspiring young Malian journalists and media-makers who completed the 16-week virtual exchange with U.S. counterparts. The participants included working journalists, bloggers, journalism students, and others aspiring to work in public communications. Participants built journalistic knowledge and skills through trainings and exchange with U.S. professionals and peers; developed strategies for promoting media literacy and fighting disinformation; and created a network of journalists in Mali who are prepared to support one another and advocate for a vibrant, professional, and independent media. Participants implemented Media Literacy Community Action Projects to promote media literacy and counter disinformation, and train other aspiring journalists in professional skills and concepts. We are proud to have supported this partnership between the University of Washington’s Foundation for International Understanding through Students (FIUTS) and Mali’s Institute of Political Science, International Relations, and Communications (ISPRIC). Fostering international connections between U.S. and Malian media professionals will help build stronger independent media in both countries capable of addressing disinformation and other major challenges.
