For a several years now I've been teaching 'advanced reporting' to working journalists via the internet at the Asian Center for Journalist at Ateneo de Manila University.

At the end of the nine-week course, which includes a week of reporting workshop on campus in Quezon City, Philippines, the journalists reflect on their practice.

NONEKhawaza Main Uddin (left), a journalist with an English daily, New Age, in Dhaka reflects on the need for continuing education for journalists from developing countries.

After completing his Master in International Relations from Dhaka University, 'Manu' worked as a reporter, then as a sub-editor at a news agency.

He received the World Food Programme Award in 2006 and 2008 for his stories on food security; Developing Asia Journalism Award-2008 and the UN-MDG Award in 2007. With his permission, I am running his piece for my column this week.

DHAKA: I began journalism almost 15 years ago with no formal training. The only experience I had was writing post-editorials in Bangla-language newspapers. I had to rely on my knack for creative writing and enthusiasm for becoming a journalist.

My initial struggle was to learn how to write a news story and edit it for accuracy and clarity of meanings. I used to read numerous stories every day to improve my vocabulary. I followed my gurus in the profession and replicate the samples of Associated Press stories available to me.

As a student of international relations, my task after joining journalism was to familiarise myself with Bangladeshi perspectives where in-depth knowledge of the Cold War or reading of The White House Years by Henry A Kissinger had little value to the general readers.

Pains, stress and frustration gripped my mind sometimes. I even thought of quitting journalism. What prompted me to stay strong was when I found satisfaction and pride of integrity for upholding the truth.

As Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Colombian journalist and Nobel laureate for literature, notes in his article 'The Best Profession in the World': "The practice of this profession requires a broad cultural background, which is provided by the work environment itself... persons who are self-taught are usually avid and quick learners."

Today, I feel proud to be a journalist when journalism is yet to be recognised as a profession in Bangladesh.

Looking back to move forward

As a young journalist I was desperate to gain experience and knowledge about issues relevant to Bangladesh. I lacked the confidence that journalists need to do a good job. "Why am I a journalist and am I worthy?" I wondered. "What should I do to transcend my self-doubts? Do I pursue journalism to promote self-interest?"

I soon realised that my moral obligation is to serve and speak up for the poor in Bangladesh. I realised that I should look at the world with an open mind, inquisitive eyes and a kind heart, a critical reflection of the facts without bias to anyone.

I try to attain 'perfection' in presenting the news, but can never be complacent in any way. As I was taught, I write to express, not to impress. My thoughts about my daily work were reflected in the words of Marquez: "Journalism is an unappeasable passion that can be assimilated and humanised only through stark confrontation with reality."

I am fortunate that I have begun pursuing an MA in Journalism after spending significant time in the profession. This is opposite to what Marquez pointed out, "Students who graduate from academic institutions with unrealistically high expectations... seem to be out of touch with reality ... and attach greater importance to self-promotion than to the profession and innate ability. This is particularly true with respect to two key attributes: Creativity and experience."

In my case, it is experience that came before I took up graduate studies to learn the basics of journalism and benefit from the wisdom of great writers and veteran journalists.

Attainments so far

One of the things that prompted me to resume formal study of journalism as an academic discipline is the necessity to broaden my worldviews, correct my flaws and prepare myself as a competent leader in my profession.

I am thus saddened by the arrogance of some journalists who think that whatever they write, produce or present are of the best quality. That perception perturbs me as we continue to face a serious shortage of experienced journalists to run English media organisations in Bangladesh

The subject Advanced Reporting and Writing has broadened my understanding of journalism. It has given me guidelines to think about how to reflect and improve on my practice. For example, the prerequisites for journalistic writing, summed up as the 3As (aptitudes, attributes and attitudes) provided me with a clear framework on how to reflect on my practice.

All the reporting models presented a theoretical basis for quality reporting and instilled in me the confidence I need to move forward. This is another new journey. I have also been impressed by what the rural affairs editor at The Hindu, P Sainath said about process reporting, which does not end with "what". It digs into "why".

Sainath inspires me, as a reporter working in a poor country, to report for the people when he says, "If you have not been in the hut that has no electric power, not a single bulb, how will you understand why the children in that home can never do well in studies?"

I have come to understand the value of Bangladesh news that could matter to an international readership. The course in advanced reporting has emboldened my 'ambitious thinking' about journalism.

Also the inputs from interactions with my classmates from other parts of Asia showed me a more sophisticated path of journalism. The most striking lesson for me from reading this course is the focus on the commoners.

I see in Bangladesh many issues and stories yet to be told - the plights of the poor, what climate change means to the poor people, micro-credit as a ladder out of poverty, threats to Sunderban's livelihoods, investment opportunities in the green fields, uncontrolled population growth.

The course has encouraged me turn my eyes to micro issues instead of the excessive focus on macro issues devoid of human dimensions.

Rekindling the spirit

I believe the range of activities in this course will rejuvenate my reporting career as I have found ways and means to overcome fatigue in deadline reporting. Since I do not want to join the spree of hollow reporting, I will try to use all the lessons and read more journalistic discourses to try and make a difference to journalism in Bangladesh.

Indeed, the thinking mind of a journalist must be kept active. One should try to acquire wisdom of the profession through high quality, ethical practices. Marquez suggests that all journalists "be research-oriented" and let ethical standards be "the constant companion of every journalist".

Yes, sometimes I do become tired. I know there will be no respite from the tensions out of both elation created by success and devastation wreaked by failure. Why do I sacrifice tranquility to a different life as a journalist in Bangladesh? It is for a greater cause, I suppose.

As Marquez notes, "(Journalist's) work ends after each news run, with seeming finality, only to start afresh with even greater intensity the very next moment, not granting a moment of peace."