Moody Radio and HCJB Global have teamed up to provide training to Christian radio station personnel across Africa.
The four days of training took place in Accra, Ghana, and involved 215 media professionals from 15 countries.
The total number of participants was above the anticipated 150.
"This conference exceeded our expectations in an amazing way," said Stephen Asare, project coordinator for Moody Radio. "Originally we had room for 150 attendees but were able to accommodate 215. There is a great hunger for training in Africa."
The trainees learnt new skills in fundraising, production, interviewing, on-air presentation, web integration, emerging technology, video production and social media.
"The interaction with participants was dynamic," said Jon Fugler, vice president for advancement at HCJB Global, who brought expertise in fundraising to the training.
"They shared their ideas with one another and planned real steps of action to take upon returning home. There was a strong spiritual aspect as well. We paused during the teaching for a prayer of thanksgiving that God is in control, despite the obstacles."
The training was supported by Theovision International and Africa by Radio, and took place to help radio workers meet their local challenges.
In addition to seminars, participants had the opportunity to create short features and develop real content for broadcasting.
At the end of the training, they each received certificates of completion.
One African radio producer who took part in the training said it had given participants the resources "to make our work easier".
At the closing ceremony, the Reverend Theodore Asare, president of Theovision International and member of HCJB Global's board of directors, charged the trainees to make good use of their new knowledge and skill to promote their ministries, stressing that with the right training, Africans can be empowered to do even more than their counterparts in the West.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Moody Radio, Theovision International and Africa by Radio," said Fugler. "Together we were able to provide our African brothers and sisters with not just theory, but real tools they can use. This is the power of partnership."
