TİKA Supports the 22nd Term of the War Journalism Training

The 22^nd Term of the War Journalism Training, held by Anadolu Agency (AA), the Turkish National Police Academy, and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has begun in order to train correspondents who will work during wars, disasters, and emergencies.

A ceremony was held at AAtölye to mark the start of another term of the training. At the ceremony, which began with the National Anthem, a promotional video about the AA War Journalism Training was shown.

Yahya Bostan, Broadcast Coordinator at AA, stated that AA’s war journalism training is of great importance for the sharing of experience. He said, “It is an essential training program, which every correspondent who has reported stories from a war zone attaches great importance. It is one of a kind. The training is given by the most experienced institutions and instructors in Türkiye. Considering the wars in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine, it is essential to be prepared, as wars can break out anywhere at any time. Over the next 12 days, we will provide you with a simulation of a real-life war and disaster environment. We will present all kinds of risks you may encounter in the event of a war or disaster. We aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge which enables you to practice your profession while you stay safe in the event of a war or disaster.”

“We updated our training program”

Bostan stressed that the War Journalism Training is not considered as a single module. He stated that the training also serves the purpose of establishing sustainable friendly relations and ensuring cooperation between the trainees and AA News Academy, the Turkish National Police Academy, and TİKA.

Bostan added that psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Kemal Sayar gave “Stress and Trauma Management Training” to AA correspondents who are covering the Russo-Ukrainian War. He said, “We aimed to give a little psychological boost. We held this training to make them feel better. We are very pleased with the feedback.”

“It is the product of an effort to prevent war”

Mustafa Haşim Polat, Training Projects Coordinator at TİKA, stated that AA’s War Journalism Training is one of a kind. He said, “It is called the War Journalism Training, but it is actually the product of an effort to prevent war.”

Ufuk Ayhan, Vice President of the Turkish National Police Academy, noted that they have so far given war journalism training to a total of 461 correspondents, including foreign correspondents. He said, “24 correspondents will participate in the new term of the training. The 12-day training will end on October 7th.”

The participants of the 22^nd Term of the War Journalism Training had a group photo taken on the stage of AAtölye.