12 December 2013- Aiming to build their capacity, UNMISS conducted a workshop on best practices for Eastern Equatoria state government press officers in the state capital Torit today.

Addressing 46 participants, drawn from state ministries, police, the army and other government institutions, UNMISS State Coordinator Hiroko Mosko said the training was part of efforts to help them improve information services to the public.

“We shall continue to work with you as partners to ensure that the public are informed on issues which they need to be aware of,” said Ms. Mosko.

UNMISS personnel briefed participants on what the mission is doing to enhance communication and raise awareness about its role and activities.

Participants also discussed relations with the media and challenges press officers face in the course of their work.

Grace Kornelio, Director for Protocol and Public Relations at the State Secretariat General, said the workshop was “an eye opener”.

She urged UNMISS to continue to support the government in developing its staff’s capacity to improve their delivery of information and other services.

“I learnt … how to draft press releases and how to communicate during a crisis,” said Pasquin Balu, Information Officer of the police force in the state. “I will use this knowledge to do my work better.”

Nickson Oduha Remy, Information Officer at the State Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Parliamentary Affairs, said the training had taught participants how to monitor news and respond to press enquiries.