Petlo Literary Arts to workshop journalists
Kgomotso Molelekeng | Wednesday March 12, 2014 14:39
The purpose of the workshop is to train journalists and sharpen their skills in reporting on culture, tourism and the literary and performing arts. Speaking to Showbiz, Petlo chairperson Barolong Seboni mentioned that the aim of the workshop is to exchange ideas and expertise between media practitioners on the reporting of artistic and cultural events.
He said that they would also be reviewing books and musical concepts, feature writing for tourism and travel. The workshop will be held at Maharaj Conference Centre. “People who should be eager to attend are journalists, cultural practitioners, tourism marketers, freelance writers, feature writers, editors of newspapers, media students and other people who wish to know more about the topics on the theme,” he said.
He emphasised that youth who aspire to be journalists are urged to attend as this is the platform that will guide them in achieving their dreams.
“This workshop will sharpen people’s skills and show them the right way of reporting and handling news that deal with tourism, culture and arts,” he said.
Seboni added that attendees would have to part ways with as little as P850 per individual to be part of this intensive course, which will help boost their careers.
“The information that will be shared at the workshop will be of high quality as there will be expects present there who specialise in the aforementioned fields. These are people who have made their mark as good writers and continue to not disappoint their fans,” he said.
Commenting on how the idea to host came about, Barolong Seboni, an eminent writer, explained that they were concerned about the lack of exposure for local writers in media. “The media are well placed to help generate public interest in the works of local writers through reviews and event coverage and this is exactly what we plan to do,” he said.
Seboni also noted that while it is positive that many newspapers have lifestyle sections cultural issues, the quality and the extent of coverage needs to be improved. He said that it should include events from all major villages and towns in the country, not just a handful of locations in Gaborone.
“Petlo Literary Arts Trust was established almost seven years ago. One of our aims is to support, encourage and develop literature and the arts in Botswana. We have identified the media as a key partner in this endeavour,” he said.
Veterans who will facilitate in the course are Seboni, senior lecturer for the English Department at University of Botswana, journalist and writer Ngozi Chukura, academic writer and journalist Seatlholo Tumedi, academic and travel writer Dr John McAllister and a speaker from the tourism industry.