MAJaC Secures CSOs And Media Empowerment Project

MAJaC, Bakau Newtown South, 11th October 2023- The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) secured a project meant to empower Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media in The Gambia, titled “Strengthening CSOs and Media for Improved Democracy and Good Governance".
The development followed the completion of formalities with the United States Embassy in The Gambia to implement the CSOs and Media empowerment project.
This transformative project that is worth $15,000, aims to empower and enhance the capacity of 20 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) members and 20 Community Radio journalists.

The project would equip CSOs and Community Radio journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to play their "watchdogs" role effectively. 
Reacting to the development, Acting Director of Training at Media Academy for Journalism and Communication, Samba Bah, highlighted the importance of empowering media and CSOs to spur good governance and respect for the rule of law especially in the new dispensation.

“Highly empowered media and civil society are critical to good governance and respect for the rule of law in a post dictatorship era. Enlightened media and civil society are the fundamental overseers of the governors and liberate societies from obscurantism. This is why MAJaC conceives such a project,” he said.
The Quality Officer at the academy, Mustapha Ceesay, pointed out the impact that the project will have on the CSOs and Media. 

"Our goal is to increase active participation of citizens on issues at community, regional, and national levels. The project would build the capacity of the media and CSOs, which would enable them to engage in interactive radio programming and proactive advocacy. This would enlighten the masses and arouse their interest in the governance process of the country. The interactive radio programming and proactive advocacy would motivate the masses to demand better lives for themselves, from duty bearers. Essentially, the project would enhance the ability of the media and CSOs to be effective mouthpieces and watchdogs for the society,” Ceesay said.

During the implementation of this project that runs from October 2023 - June 2024, participants would gain valuable insights and tools to effectively engage with policymakers, raise awareness on critical issues, and hold those in power accountable.

The Academy is committed to building a network of empowered CSOs and media professionals with the aim of creating a lasting impact on democratic processes and promoting a culture of good governance.

Abibatou Ceesay,
Communication Officer, MAJaC.
Contact: 3725053 / 7743501