AJM and MAAA sign Memorandum of Cooperation and present US development and exchange programs

Today, in the Journalists’ Club in Skopje, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Macedonian American Alumni Association (MAAA).

AJM and MAAA exchanged views on the need for joint action in the field of journalism and the networking of media workers.

The President of AJM, Mladen Chadikovski also spoke about the need to increase the number of young journalists who would have the opportunity to be part of development programs. “AJM last year established a Section of Young Journalists, which allows young colleagues to share experiences and work together to improve and enhance the situation in journalism in our country. The journalistic profession, according to the statistics on newly enrolled journalism students at our universities, is not as attractive as before, so through this networking, we wanted to provide unhindered access to development programs, which will give young colleagues the opportunity for further training, vocational training, and open door to direct experience with American journalistic standards and colleagues,” Chadikovski said.

The President of the MAAA, Verica Jordanova stressed that the commitment to joint cooperation is especially important. “The networking of journalists from our country who have been to exchange and education programs in the United States, as well as the initiation of joint activities and cooperation in the field of media, journalism, information, and other related activities that are important for the field, will encourage even greater involvement and will initiate joint projects arising from the programs. This creates an opportunity for establishing regular communication with experts who are members of the MAAA in various fields and professions,” said Jordanova.

The meeting was attended by the Organizing Secretary of the MAAA, Ognen Janeski, as well as representatives of the journalistic and teaching professions, and the Coordinator for Exchanges and Alumni at the US Embassy, Gazmend Ilazi, who made a presentation of all programs and opportunities related to journalism and the media. “There are many opportunities for journalists. The Fulbright and Humphrey programs are highly respected, and we would like these exchanges to be used by media professionals, as in this way they gain experience that will be very useful in their lives, especially for professional development, but also for networking with their colleagues from the United States, which is indispensable,” said Ilazi.

Through these programs, media workers have an exceptional chance to advance, further their education, and exchange experiences with their American counterparts, at the higher education institutions, and programs of world organizations based in the United States.