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A reporter from Graphic Showbiz, Annastacia Delali Sika, has emerged the overall best student in a four-month Developmental Journalism course at the India Institute of Mass Communication, in New Dehli, India.

Delali Sika was among 19 stu dents selected by the Government of India from a host of countries including Ivory Coast, Nepal, Uganda, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Lesotho, among others.

The students were taken through a variety of courses including Development Journalism, Media Ethics, Communication Development, Economics and Globalisation.

In an interview with Graphic Online, Sika described the experience as “an eye-opening one” which has exposed her to a much broader, understanding of journalism and its practice.

“The course was stressful with many sleepless nights but I believe it has been worth it in the end. The course has deepened not only my understanding of journalism but also of government policies and implementation as well,” she said.

Delali Sika added that although she did not expect to win the prize of the overall best student, which came with a citation, and a cash prize of 10,000 rupees (GHC600), she was honoured to have been chosen from among all the students present.

She said although her specialty was in the area of arts and entertainment, the four-month course had equipped her with the skills necessary to be an all-round journalist.

Apart from her academic experience, Delali said she had an insight into the culture and traditions of the Indian people, which identified them as a group of people.

“It’s amazing to see that the Indians really cherish their culture and are proud to teach any foreigner. I think it was one good thing I learnt from the nationals and hope to learn about the Ghanaian culture as well,” she stated.