SECTOR 4 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.9 (2008 = n/a ; 2006 = n/a) 4.9 Media professionals have access to training facilitates offering formal qualification programmes as well as opportunities to upgrade skills. In the past, journalists received their education abroad. Today, there are schools that offer training programmes in marketing and management and, in some instances, journalism. The diplomas issued, however, fail to meet the standards for recognition established by the State. The Media House – the organisational umbrella of the media since 1996 – offers advanced training to journalists and other media workers. The Ministry of Communications and Technology undertook to create a training institute in journalism that was to be launched during the academic year 2009 – 2010. Unfortunately this institute is still far from being operational. The reasons given for this are the lack of political will and the fact that the project is not considered a priority. The University of Bamako, in partnership with European universities, planned a similar project but it has not materialised. Apparently the West African Catholic University, which recently established some of its branches in Bamako, is expected to offer training in journalism from the 2010 – 2011 academic year. 124 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALI 2010