The function was graced by government officials, media stakeholders, and representatives of foreign missions and organizations.

The Media Development Institute was established in 2014 and has since been operating under the auspices of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan.

The main aim of MDI is to become a national media training institute that is able to strengthen the capacity of Journalists and to develop media professionalism, including the improvement of ethical standards in South Sudan.

The 7th batch of 2022/23 consists of 23 exceptional individuals, 8 of whom are females and 15 are males, and they have been conferred Advanced Certificate in Journalism.

Since 2016, MDI has now graduated a total of 155 journalists, all of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of journalism.

The Advanced Certificate in Journalism program has equipped these graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen profession.

During the graduation ceremony, Darren Maning, the Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance for USAID-South Sudan congratulated the Media Development Institute graduates for completing the one-year Advanced Certificate course in Journalism.

“I congratulate all of you on this achievement and for completing MDI’s annual Journalism course as its 7th Cohort.”

He called on journalists to serve their fellow citizens by providing credible, and accurate news and information.

Maning further expressed his gratitude saying, “I am very happy to see the increasing number of female graduates every year. As a journalist, you are called to serve your fellow citizens to provide credible, and accurate news and information.”

The senior USAID official says journalists must dedicate themselves to upholding the freedom of Expression.

He pointed out that freedom of expression is one of the most important rights that citizens must have in a democratic society.

“A journalist must also be dedicated to upholding the freedom of Expression, one of the most important rights that the citizens hold in a democracy,” he stated.

For his part, the Chairperson of the Board of AMDISS, Koang Pal Chang advised the MDI new graduates to prove themselves in society.

He said as the students proceed to the world of media, they should make sure they use their skills efficiently and also practice the Ethical Journalism that they have acquired from MDI.

Koang emphasized that reporting must always be true and accurate.

“As you proceed to the media industry, make sure you use your skills and practice the Ethical Journalism that has been taught to you here in MDI. Your Report must always be true and accurate.”