Graduation Night

The new batch of newscaster trainees has completed their course in broadcast journalism. They are ready to head for their bureaus and I am delighted to report that all 20 TVM atoll bureaus will now be staffed with a reporter. This will assure coverage of the entire country for the presidential election.
The training course began in May and was accelerated because of the election. In less than three months, these students advanced to the point of reporting, shooting and editing their own stories. They will improve with practice. I met the group less than two weeks ago when they were wearing their student uniforms. They came to the graduation ceremony looking like true professionals. Both Ali and Rameez gave speeches and Musthafa showed a tape of some of the trainees' reports. I was proud to be able to say a few words of encouragement because I know their jobs will not be easy. In the past, atoll reporters have been subjected to pressure from atoll chiefs to slant the news. And it is especially difficult for the young women to live and work alone on an island, away from their families. Some of the reporters are going to their "home" islands, but others will be starting over in a strange place.The new batch makes it possible to bring some of the veteran reporters back to the capital for a few months of additonal training. The ceremony was held at the VOM radio building, which is much larger than the TV station. VOM chief Badru Nasser helped award the certificates. And what Maldivian ceremony would be complete without food! There was a nice buffet after the graduation.