KONTINENT MEDIA BIDS FAREWELL TO A DELEGATION OF JOURNALISTS FROM KYRGYZSTAN
March 15, 2012, Arlington Heights, IL, Kontinent Media Bids Farewell to a Delegation of Journalists from Kyrgystan in a dinner ceremony hosted by the Daily Herald at its headquarters. The delegates completed an 8-day training and cultural exchange program aimed at ‘Investigative Journalism/Corruption Prevention,” sponsored by the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress and locally conducted by CIP, the Council of International Programs. Five-member delegations of journalists at the commencement of the ceremony were awarded Certificates of Successful Completion.
This invite exclusive event was attended by CIP members and participants representing other countries, host families, and distinguished guests and media.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by the Executive Vice President of the Daily Herald, Robert Paddock then proceeded with Ms. Angela Turley, President of CIP speaking about the organization and how exciting it is to host delegations from other countries calling into action for more people to become involved as host families. Continuing with the ceremony Ms.Tiffani Haris a Congressional Relations Officer from the Open World Program, briefly discussing the background and nature of the Open World Program as well as how important it is to continue this cultural exchange.
The facilitator who accompanied the delegation from Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Mamasakyk, stated that this program had been "one of the best programs I have ever been in." He has led seven delegations to the U.S.
The delegation had an opportunity to meet with a Congressman Peter Roskam and representatives from select media outlets such as Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times and the Daily Herald. They also had an opportunity to meet with future journalists from local universities and graduate schools.
Dr. George Palamattam an Executive Director from CIP remarked that "all five delegates expressed how happy they were with their learning journey and were pleased with the insight and information they gained from various visits and professional sessions."
Leonard Mogul, Kontinent Media Group representative remarked that "it is still deplorable to hear how the freedom of press that we take for granted in the USA is something that as a journalist in Kyrgyzstan you have to fight for on daily bases." Timur Toktonaliyev, Editor for Kyrgyzstan British Institute for War & Peace Reporting, while answering to Mr. Mogul's question pertaining to extreme political censorship in Kyrgyzstan stated that "Don't be surprised if you get beaten up by unidentified people while walking home."
The ceremony concluded with many handshakes, photographs, and congratulations. Mr. Mogul presented Kontinent Media's newspapers to thrilled members of the delegation. CIP Board Member Geno Bonaventura reminded the delegation, "The CIP doors are always open to you. Don't be a stranger."
The Open World program was established by Congress in 1999 with the incentive to develop and better foster and enhance professional relationships between the United States and countries that had limited exposure to one another, particularly with post-Soviet countries. The Council of International Programs in Chicago is a non-profit organization that hosts exchanges of professionals between the US and other countries abroad. CIP Chicago designed a program that addresses issues in the field of investigative journalism.
For information about this event or future events, contact kontinentmedia@gmail.com.
Leonard Mogul
kontinentmedia@gmail.com
Photos by Kontinent Media and CIP Photographer
Dr. George Palamattam, Executive Director CIP, Ms. Ji-Won Seok, CIP participant from Korea,Mr. Dong Sik Kim, Carol Burns, Director of PACE program from National Louis University in Chicago, CIP participant from Korea, Ms. Kyoyeon Kim, from Korea
Leonard Mogul (center) with Tiffany Harris and CIP Participants and Board of Directors
Kyrgyz delegation with Rep Roskam and OW Officer Harris