'to build and nurture critical minds set for the rapidly evolving world of journalism and communication'
'to strengthen democracy in the Gambia through quality journalism and effective communication'
Known for high quality outcomes and champion of journalism and communication training.
It is with profound gratitude, pride and humility that I welcome you the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication-MAJaC. I am honoured and blessed to be given the opportunity and responsibility of leading and managing an institution that placed the learners at the heart of what we do. Managing MAJaC is exciting, yet challenging because we churn out graduates expected to strengthen democracy by informing, educating, helping people make informed choices and often times entertain. In 2018, MAJaC was awarded the Human Rights Champion by the Gambia Press Union in their annual journalism excellence award. MAJaC had an exciting past which saw the school underwent a remarkable transformation in terms of teaching and learning, enrolment, facilities and curricula. Our journalism programme which is aligned to the UNESCO standards for journalism in Africa and accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority-NAQAA has produced award-winning journalists, editors and journalism tutors. Our teaching approach is learner-centered hinged on media ethics, analysis, critical thinking and research. Due to the hands-on training approach, the academy is lauded as “a revolution” in journalism education in The Gambia. This has also positioned MAJaC as a model for teaching journalism in the country. We have since developed, reviewed, tried and tested our communication programme and are now rolling it out. The curriculum is designed to prepare trainees with the requisite knowledge and skills to serve as communication officers, communication assistants, journalists and or public relations officers.Recently, we introduced the Film and Photography programme is to cater for the ever-growing demands of the creative industry. This programme supported by International Trade Center through the Youth Empowerment Project is intended to prepare trainees with the required knowledge, skills and the right attitude to serve as photographers, filming assistants and or content producers.With the world going digital, we intend to in the future introduce Digital Media Production, Data and Investigative Journalism, Media Management and Digital Media to Counter Disinformation and Hate Speech.The right professional training is the legacy that parents, guardians, sponsors and donors can leave trainees coming to MAJaC because we understands the dynamism in media, communication and in the creative industry. And with the world becoming a global village, we prepare our trainees for the demands ahead and accord them the knowledge, skills and right attitude to excel anywhere in the world. We strive to produce leaders who will be at the forefront of ensuring equality, transparency, democracy, economic prosperity and social justice. The demands of living and working in a global economic community necessitates adaptable, flexible, analytical and above all creative young people with the right skill-set, knowledge and character to meet the many challenges that lie ahead.So the place to horn your skills in the area of communication, film and photography and Journalism is MAJaC.I look forward to welcoming you to our community.Sang Mendy Managing Director
This level is intended to prepare trainees with the required knowledge and skills to serve as photography and filming technicians. It covers a minimum requirement of acquiring basic knowledge on the history and art of photography; maintaining camera equipment; operate still and moving Cameras; utilization of natural and artificial lightning in camera works; recording, monitoring and controlling sound in filming; and performance of basic editing of footages/photographs. This programme introduces learners to the opportunities available as well as guide them through a career path.
This level introduces learners to advanced media production. The course provides learners with an in-depth knowledge on content production. In this course learners will design, produce and present their own documentaries and programmes as well as produce and present or publish their own news bulletins. At this level, learners work on group and individaul projects with little supervision from trainers. The course also helps the learners to understand psychology, international relations and international human rights laws. Students who completed this level can work as sub-editors/editors and producers or communication officers in any medium or organisation. However, learners who choose to continue to their studies can proceed to the School of Journalism and Digital Media at the University of The Gambia.
This level is designed to prepare the trainees with the requisite knowledge and skills to serve as communication officers, communication assistants, journalists and or public relations officers. The programme covers the minimum requirements of acquiring basic knowledge on the various communication theories. They will also acquire basic knowledge on all communication related laws and will go through various ethical standards and values as they relate to communication. The programme is designed in a way that trainees will also acquire knowledge and skills in journalistic production, graphic design, web design and photography. Capping it all, the trainees will undergo rigorous professional English course hence English serves as the working tool in the communication world.
This level is designed to help learners understanding the dynamics of media and to be able to produce content, analyse and think critically. In this level, the learners take charge of their own learning while producing media content on complex issues with little guidance from the trainers. The courses will also help students acquire skills in print, broadcast and multimedia production. The courses delivered in this level are accompanied with critical thinking, analysis, media ethics and understanding media related laws. Students who completed this level can work as reporters and or communication assistant in any medium or organisation. MAJaC students who complete the diploma programme are eligible to enroll in the Advanced Diploma programme.
This certificate level is designed to cater for fresh school leavers who have the entry requirements and are passionate about journalism. The certificate course exposes learners to actual journalism production coupled with analysis and critical thinking as well as giving peer feedback and reflections. Upon completion of this level, graduates can work as cub reporters in any medium. Students who complete this level with good grades are eligible to proceed to the Diploma programme.
This foundation level is preparatory programme for people intending to take a professional journalism course. It is designed to cater for candidates who do not meet the entry requirements for the certificate programme. The module exposes students to learning the basic concepts of journalism, principles and history. In this level the students start actual media production with guidance and supervision. Students who complete this level with good grades are eligible to proceed to the certificate programme.
I've had no formal journalism training before enrolling at MAJaC, which was then known as GPU school of journalism. I learnt news reporting, news editing, online and broadcast journalism. Since graduation, I've worked in different media outlets and settings, including consultancy.
I joined MAJaC purposely to build on my already established experience in journalism through professional training. After two years at the school in which I achieved Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Journalism and Communication, it is easy to find differences in my practice compared to before. I was exposed to areas in journalism such as television and radio production, digital media and and communication in the truest practical ways. Digital media in particular now makes me a flexible journalist as I have since shifted from print-only to online where I'm exploring the online features I learnt at MAJaC to easily quench the thirst of my audience.
July 25, 2023
MAJaC and partners launch a three-month “Innovate to Combat Emigration” project, which aims to unlock potentials through training and creating employment opportunities for young people. The project is a mini grant that seeks to equip MAJaC and partners, the Gambia Media Support-GAMES (a Danish-based media development organisation) with relevant information, understanding and insight of what is needed in terms of media and its related fields to help curb irregular migration. Sang Mendy, the Managing Director of MAJaC says The Gambia, like many African countries, continues to struggle with irregular migration, despite small its population. “We are on this fact-finding mission of taping ideas and collecting information to enable us apply for funding that will build the capacity of more young people in areas such as communication and public relations, creative and graphic designs, film and photography, digital media development and management, media innovation and entrepreneurship etc., aside our flagship journalism training programme,” Mendy stated. Modou S. Joof, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union recognises the importance of the initiative, and highlights the significant role that MAJaC and GPU play in combating irregular migration. “In 2021 and 2022, we (GPU) conducted trainings on migration reporting, to enable journalists to understand the dynamics and context of migration,” Joof added. During the three-month period, MAJaC officials will hold series of meetings and consultations with civil society organisations, youth groups, the media, national and international organisations involved in the fight against irregular migration. The purpose of these meetings with the mentioned stakeholders is to harvest ideas, action points and proposals on how to combat irregular migration through training. At the end of the project, an action plan would be developed to promote communication, creative design, media, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills training opportunities for youths, and offer alternatives to irregular migration. The joint response would create a civic platform to combat irregular migration from The Gambia to Europe.
July 5, 2023
We're excited to announce that Mustapha Ceesay has been appointed as new Quality Assurance Officer of MAJaC. He will work with the management in maintaining standards and quality, utilizing and developing new quality assurance tools and mechanism, curriculum development and review, recruitment, promotion, examination and evaluation as per NAQAA requirement and various quality assurance policies. “I'm glad to be appointed as the Internal Quality Officer at MAJaC. This will help to strengthen the institute's quest to mould its students into quality journalists and effective communicators for the socioeconomic advancement of The Gambia”, Ceesay stated. Added to his new role, he is journalism trainer at the academy. Mustapha is a former MAJaC student and obtained an Advanced Diploma in journalism and communication. Upon graduation, he served as a reporter and then editor in various newsrooms in the country.Mustapha is the Banjul correspondent for the Ethiopia based media group, The African Time. With his experience and deep commitment to excellence, we're confident that he'll help us continue to provide the quality education to our students.
May 31, 2023
We are currently accepting applications for our Foundation and Certificate programs. Interested applicants for the Certificate program should have at least 4 WASSCE credits; a credit in English is a MUST or at least two years experience in journalism. Those interested in the Foundation program MUST have 3 WASSCE credits including English and or at least a year experience in journalism. Interested individuals can obtain application forms at the school premises in Bakau Newtown, South for a non-refundable fee of D300. Students interested to continue to the Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels can pick up a continuation form at the school. We offer a combination of theory and practical training in print, radio, web, TV and digital media. Applications must be submitted to the school on or before the 20th of June, 2033, at 4:00pm. If you have the passion to become a journalist, MAJaC is the perfect place for you. For more information, contact us at 3725053/ 7743501 or email majacgm@gmail.com
May 24, 2023
MAJaC in collaboration with Freedom house through USAID today launched a six-week intensive training on ethical and responsible reporting for 20 Journalists and journalism students. The training is meant to help participants with the needed knowledge, skills, experience and right attitude to report on complex and sensitive issues in a fair, accurate, and responsible manner. The training covers a range of topics, including Ethics, conflict of interest, sourcing, sensationalism and speed, social media photo and video ethics among others. Sang Mendy, The Managing Director of MAJaC says the training is an important step in promoting ethical standards and provide accurate and unbiased reporting for journalists. He urges the participants to take the training serious. “We can make this profession a respected and a noble one if we behave ethically and responsibly. This is what Freedom house and USAID has committed itself to supporting you to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to work as a respected journalist”. Sang Mendy, representative of the Freedom house, says they are committed to strengthening media development through the support of USAID. He stressed the need for building the capacity of Journalists. “The training is part of our five-year mandate to rollout ethical reporting trainings for journalists. Aside that, we are conducting an investigative reporting fellowship with Malagen, all geared towards developing the capacity of journalists”. This is the second time MAJaC and Freedom House partnered to build the capacity of journalists in ethical reporting. The training will help participants to report accurately thereby preventing the spread of false news and misinformation.
May 10, 2023
Malagen, the leading investigative reporting media, today launched a 100-page investigative Magazine. The magazine features all of Malagen’s works which aims to promote social justice. Malagen recognizes the work of MAJaC former and current, among them Adama Joof, Momodou Janneh, Banna Sabally, Kebba Jeffang, and Dija Jawo, who have contributed to its growth. Malagen in partnership with Freedom House also launched an investigative journalism fellowship in the Gambia. The fellows aims to build the capacity of journalists and journalism students among them MAJaC students in investigative reporting. Malagen’s launch of its investigative magazine and fellowship in the Gambia marks a rebirth of investigative journalism in the country.
May 1, 2023
The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication and the Gambia Press Union on Friday, 28th April 2023 sign a Memorandum Of Understanding. The MOU is intended to promote cooperation between GPU and MAJaC, so the two can complement each other’s work, avoiding duplication and competition. The areas of cooperation includes but not limited to professional training of journalists, media workers and communication practitioners. The two organisations share goals for media sector development and professionalisation of the media and communication sector.
April 19, 2023
Pro5 Studios is a startup business established by 5 young enthusiastic Gambians. They are part of the first cohort of a film and photography course run by MAJaC. The course that lasted nine months was supported by International Trade Center through Youth Empowerment Project.Susan Njie, one of the members of Pro5 Studios told MAJaC Media that the skills they've acquired ignited their interest to create the startup. She added that they acquired the right skills to produce professional video and photography.“The film and photography course has shaped us a lot, The course enable us to creatively tell stories through the lenses and granted us the confidence to be self employed. We are indeed grateful to the International Trade Centre, through the Youth Empowerment Project and MAJaC for this wonderful opportunity. We look forward to creating job opportunities by transferring the acquired skills to others.”Contact them for all your Eid pictures, birthdays, weddings and other events.
April 14, 2023
It’s with profound sadness we write to announce that our Administrative Officer, Binta Bah will be leaving MAJaC effective 30th April, 2023 to pursue new challenges. Binta has been working with us for the past five years and has contributed immensely to the development and growth of MAJaC. She enrolled at MAJaC in 2017 and completed the Advanced Diploma in 2019, graduating as the best Digital Media Student. After completing her studies, She served as an assistant Digital Media trainer. She completed a 6 month internship training as an Admin Assistant and later promoted to the position of Administrative Officer. Throughout her stay at MAJaC, Binta demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to her work. She built strong relationships with both students and staff, and her contribution will greatly be missed. We are grateful for her contibutions, and on behalf of the board , management, staff and students of MAJaC, we wish her all the best in her future endeavour.
March 22, 2023
The Media Academy for Journalism and communication (MAJaC) held the second edition of its week of extra-curricular activities from the 13th to the 15th of March, 2023. Students were divided into four teams bearing the names of reputable Gambian Journalists, namely Kenneth Y Best, Deyda Hydara, Jainaba Nyanag Njie and Fatu Camara. The event began with a march past accompanied by the Gambia police band and MAJaC Students and staff from traffics lights to MAJaC premises in Bakau Newtown South. Statements were delivered by Sang Mendy, the managing director of MAJaC, Muhammed S. Bah, the president of the Gambia Press Union and Isatou Keita, a trainer at MAJaC. All the speakers spoke highly of the event describing it as an avenue to unlock potentials and enable students to connect with their colleagues and trainers. Day one of the event saw teams compete in debate, poetry, drama and news presentation. Two teams namely; team Kennet Y. Best and Team Jainaba Nyang Njie proceeded to the finals of the debate while team Fatu Camara and team Kenneth Y. Best qualified for the finals of the poetry. On day two, teams competed in sporting activities; football, athletics, tug of war, relay, musical chair, bucket balance among other exciting sporting activities. Team Jainaba Nyang Njie was declared winners of the sports, followed by team Deyda Hydara. The event was held at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium in Tallinding. On the third and the final day of MAJaC week, students competed in beauty pageant and the finals of the debate, poetry and news presentation. Team Kenneth Y Best won the beauty pageant, drama, and news presentation while team Fatu Camara won the debate and poetry. Miss Maimuna Fatty of team Kenneth Y Best, was crowned the Queen of MAJaC, at a colourful event held at Semega Janneh Hall. Miss Maimuna P. Mendy of team Jainaba Nyang Njie won the first runner-up, miss Ajie Ramou Secka of team Fatu camara won the second runner-up and miss Isatou N. Saho won the third runner-up. Cash prizes were presented to all the four contestants. The MAJaC week is an annual event which gives students the opportunity to learn, interact and socialize with colleagues outside the four corners of the classroom.
March 7, 2023
The managing director of the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication Sang Mendy, is in Paris, France to attend responsible migration reporting conference organized by CFI Media Development. He joins fellow journalism directors from Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. CFI is a public sector operator and a subsidiary of the France Médias Monde group tied to the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. The organisation looks at issues raised by the media coverage of migrations. MAJAC is invited to take part in this international project which includes journalism students from Mauritania, Guinea and Niger to raise awareness on the importance of covering migrations with fairness and perspective. In more concrete terms, MAJaC will collaborate with Ecole supérieure de journalisme de Lille), to set editorial guidelines and produce journalistic content for TV, radio, newspaper magazine, and digital media platforms.