The Association of Communication Professionals abbreviated in French as PMA have in a three day workshop honed their skills in digital technology. The workshop, placed under the patronage of the Minister of Post and Telecommunication, Minette Libom Li Likeng, took place in Yaounde from May 15th to 17, 2024, at the conference hall of the Ancillary Building of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication. The seminar had the theme “Communication and Digitalization of Administrative Procedures: Stakes and Practice”.
Attending the workshop were media professionals who are members of the PMA, communication professionals drawn from different organizations and persons in posts of responsibility from institutions. Claver Etoundi, is the president of PMA who explained that the seminar is aimed at upgrading the knowledge of officials in the use of digital tools within their daily work routine as administrators. In addition, Andre Bion who is the deputy Secretary General of PMA voiced that, the digitalisation of administrative processes is imperative because, the whole world is immersed in digitalisation “so if you are not digital, you are lost, that is why we are trying to be up to date”
Presenting a key note address, the minister acknowledged that digitalisation has brought change in the political and social economy but has also come in with vices where people are manipulated and hate speech is proliferated with cyber bullying which has threatened peace and social cohesion. She called on communicators to appreciate the acceleration of digital technology but also pay attention to the challenges that it has come along with in order to promote cyber security.
Talking About the seminar, Minister Li Likeng said “This seminar is very important because our country is involved in the digital transformation and a lot of challenges need to be presented to the people and the media better better placed foster this drive. For many years, we have been involved in a coalition for the responsible use of the social media. As they train and improve their capacities, we would have well trained medias people to carry on the digital transformation. When you are well trained you can have a responsible use of the social media “
A number of experts drilled the participants on different modules during which they were given knowledge on digital communication, cybersecurity, the responsible use of the social media, prevention against dangers in the cyberspace, profitable mechanisms in digital technology, the expansion of new information and communication professions in the era of digital development in Cameroon, the digitalization of processes for a better customer experience, media and technologies, accelerating digital transformation in Cameroon and digitalization and optimization of performance within organizations.
The communicators have enhanced their skills on identifying fake information and the type of communication technology to apply in specific circumstances.
The seminar rounded off with the commemoration of World Telecommunications Day in Cameroon and the commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day. Thus communication professionals were joined on Friday by young female students who showcased their expertise in ICT tools through presentations on the importance of new technology. Young girls were encouraged to embrace the tech world in order to bridge the digital divide and meet up the services needed by the world.
Claver Etoundi, president of PMA, appreciated the sponsorship provided by MINPOSTEL adding that the training would go a long way to accelerate digital transformation and the fight against hate speech and cyber hijacking.
By Mildred Ndum Wung