Impressed of Latvia
Sarmite Elerte: Identifying good journalism practice at Lambeth College.
March 2006
The Editor-in-Chief of Latvia’s leading newspaper has visited Lambeth College to discuss journalism training and the department’s development of employer involvement in courses.
Sarmite Elerte has edited Diena for 15 years, since the renewal of independent Latvia. As well as meeting Wendy McClemont, course manager for journalism, she also visited editorial staff at the Guardian and the Thomson Foundation.
Ms Elerte said: “I am happy I came to Lambeth College to be able to identify good practice in journalism and journalism training which I can take back to Latvia.
“It is good to see the students getting such strong vocational training and showing great confidence in news writing.”
During her visit to Lambeth College Ms Elerte was told about the importance of the work experience elements of the course. She was particularly interested in the development of an employers’ forum and the coursework set by members of the forum for the journalism foundation degree.
She was also keen to find out the visits students make to courts, councils, the House of Commons and the Greater London Assembly and of speakers from industry talking to students at the college.
Related news story - A Letter to the Editor (2007)
