Our students, along with their coordinators, were out in the field for their various productions under the CFI-MAJaC project. The short videos team (capsules) is producing digital media content on migration. The team is exploring the effects of migration on agriculture "Leaving Home to Build Home."The team went to North Bank Region to interview locals about the impact of migration on agricultural production. The Feature writing team is headed by Isatou keita. The team was in Badibu Njaba Kunda in the North Bank Region to interview locals on the impact of migration and reintegration processes. The team is producing a well- researched feature articles on migration. The documentary team headed by Babucarr Manka is producing an audiovisual documentary "Gunjur 180" to shed light on migration in Gunjur. The podcast team is producing audio documentaries on migration challenges and successes. The team set out to Foni and Busura in the West coast region where they had interviews with the community members. MAJaC is joining CFImedias to raise awareness on responsible media coverage of migration, and the importance of covering migration without biases and prejudice.
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
MAJaC and partners successfully completed a 3-month pilot project, "Innovate to Combat Emigration." Throughout the project, MAJaC formed partnerships with CSOs, the media, and local organizations interested in migration. We had a monitoring and evaluation session earlier today with CSO members and the media, to evaluate how MAJaC and our partners implemented the project. As we look forward to a bigger migration project, our goal is to enhance the skills of young people in media-related fields. We extend our gratitude to our partners Gambia Media Support- Games , CSOs, and the media, for their valuable contributions in making this project a success.
Are you ready to horn your skills in Journalism and Communication? Join MAJaC today and gain practical training in print, radio, web, and digital media. 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 in Joining us? Here's what you need to do: ✓ Visit our school premises in Bakau Newtown South✓ Obtain an application form for D300✓ Summit your application on or before October 14,2023, at 4:00pm. Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting career in journalism. For more information, contact us on 3725053/ 7743501 or email [email protected]
Media academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) invites suitable candidates to apply for the post of Director of training. Job Title: Director of Training (Full-Time) The position is a full-time position that combines three roles: directing, supervising, and training. The Director of Training is responsible for directing, monitoring and evaluating the Academy’s Quality Control/Management System to ensure quality assurance. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The Director of Training should: Head the training arm of the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication Be the liaison between the students, staff, and the Management Approving syllabi developed by the staff in consultation with Management Be responsible for development of course objectives derived from the syllabi Coordinate teaching activities Ensure that course files and schemes of work are prepared and delivered by every trainer Monitor students and staff attendance, achievements and shortcomings Facilitate evaluation of courses and Exam assessments Participate in policy development, budget and resource allocation Coordinate and direct the practical work of the training assistants Coordinate and control the production of teaching materials Coordinate and supervise the training of training assistants who need to take extra lessons Facilitate recruitment of trainers Prepare, and produce, student’s transcript, certificate, and attestation Prepare periodic activity reports covering recruitment, enrolment, curriculum review, staff engagement and projects under his/her purview Organize and participate in relevant capacity building as a manager through sparring with other partners Prepare budget related to training Generate funds from training courses and in-house or short-term capacity building trainings. Develop and formulate new demand-driven courses, programmes and curriculum. QUALIFICATIONS He or she must have a degree in relevant discipline, preferably journalism, Mass Communication, English, Political Science, Development Studies or related fields Should be a computer literate and desire to learn new applications Should have skills in project proposal writing, management, implementation and evaluation. Should have a proven record of accomplishment of commitment, and willing to work long hours and on holidays when required Must have experience in management. SALARY: Attractive Deadline for submission of the application is 16th October 2023. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Start Date: As soon as possible
Media academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) invites suitable candidates to apply for the post of an Administrative officer. Job Title: Administrative Officer (Full-Time) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The administrative officer works with management to ensure proper management of staff, academic and professional records; ensures timely recruitment of students and issuance of transcripts and certificates; coordinates class and trainer allocation; be the liaison between MAJaC and other partners or any other functions assigned by management. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Administrative Officer should: Perform administrative works relating to writing appointment, annual leave, suspension and termination letters and copying accounts department for necessary actions on the payroll. Liaise with the accounts office to facilitate easy collection of tuition fees Responsible for reconciling the students master list with the active class registers in collaboration with the DoT and send the reconciled class list to accounts for invoicing Take part in the student admission/enrollment process Keep proper academic records of students including student files Perform human resources functions by maintaining and keeping up-to-date staff files Maintain proper filing system for the Managing Director and the Director of Training. Coordinate with trainers to facilitate the production of teaching and learning materials Liaise with the Director of Training for the timely production of a master timetable Ensure trainers and students are aware of their timetable on time and honour their training schedules by calling to find out Serve as liaison between MAJaC and academic partners. Ensure Communications Officer regularly updates MAJaC website and SoMe handles Responsible to ensure that student’s portal are up to date in the School management data base system Supervise and assign administrative assistant/s The Administrative Officer reports to Director of Training for any other assignments QUALIFICATIONS The Candidate must have an Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Human Resources Management. He/she should have the ability to work independently with little supervision and must be conversant with Microsoft, Excel and database. EXPERIENCE The candidate should have a proven record of accomplishment and willing to work long hours and at times on holidays He or she should have at least two years’ work experience SALARY: Attractive Deadline for submission of the application is 16th October 2023. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Start Date: As soon as possible All applications must be addressed to the Managing Director. Applicants can submit their CV, academic and professional documents and an application via email to [email protected] or drop a hard copy at our secretariat in Bakau New Town South, off GNPC Headquarters.
Millions of people around the world are silently battling an enemy that threatens their health and well-being. From heart disease to diabetes, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are on the rise, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Diabetes is a chronic Non-Communicable Disease that affect millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million adults globally have diabetes. This number is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040. The highest prevalence rates are found in low- and middle-income countries. In the Gambia, the prevalence of diabetes is according to The Gambia's 2018 NDCs national profile accounted for 34% of all deaths including diabetes, an increase from the 32% reported in 2014. This accounts for 1/3 of the Gambia’s population. WHO predicts that about 4% of The Gambia’s population could be diabetic by 2030, underscoring the importance of strengthening awareness of NCDs, specifically diabetes in the country. Dr. Abubacarr Jah, Consultant Urologic Surgeon at Sarab Medical Center, said diabetes is caused by the accumulation of sugar (glucose) in the blood stream which is not able to move to other parts of the body, muscles and the brain. He added that, type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of cases, is primarily caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity “One of the complications of diabetes is that it affects the reproductive system for men, causes low vision which can lead to blindness and even amputation”. Abubacarr Bah, a Public Health lecturer at the University of the Gambia, highlighted that one of the main challenges in managing diabetes is ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare, including regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and medication. “One of the major challenges is that lot of people with diabetes are yet to be diagnosed. Diagnostic tools are not accessible by many especially in the rural areas thereby posing a big challenge for patients. Bah added that, lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, can help reduce the risks of getting diabetes. Diabetes which used to be common among adult folk is now prevalent among young people. Fatou Saine is a 22-year-old girl who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when she was 20. Reflecting on her struggles, she revealed that she visited many hospitals but was not able to get the correct information as to what sickness she was having. After series of laboratory tests, she was eventually diagnosed to have diabetes. “I feel weakness in my body which prevents me from doing some of the things I love. It has limited my social life because not a month passes by and I am not admitted at the hospital. I am aware that there is no cure for diabetes but I am adhering to all measures to prevent further escalation”, saine added. Nyima Ceesay is a student nurse at the University of the Gambia. Inspired by the desire to help communities, Nyima is creating awareness on diabetes and other chronic non-communicable disease. Through her efforts, she mobilized community members and conduct house-to-house campaigns which has gained attraction, reaching people far and inspiring them to take control of their health. “I have taken up the responsibility to educate communities about diabetes, it’s effects and the prevention measures. I have a blood glucose machine and a BLOOD pressure machine which I use to test where or not they have diabetes. I also educate them on the risk factors of this major chronic disease. The reason I took up this initiative is that as a student nurse, I want to contribute positively to my society and this way, I believe communities will be aware and more conscious of their health”, Ceesay added. Through her efforts, Nyima not only raises awareness about diabetes but also create a supportive community for those affected by the condition. The burden of NCDs is expected to increase in The Gambia if preventive and control measures are not taken. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate, posing significant challenges for individuals, healthcare systems, and societies.
The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication in partnership with Freedom House through USAID on Monday, certified 20 journalists who successfully completed a five- week ethical reporting training. The training covers a range of topics including ethics, sourcing, social media, photo and video ethics, handling sensitive issues and how to report in a fair and accurate manner. In his welcoming remark, Sang Mendy, the Managing Director of MAJaC, emphasized the significance of upholding ethical standards in journalism. He stressed that ethical reporting strengthens democracy, holds leaders accountable, and prevents reputational damage “Whatever situation you find yourself graduands, remaining ethical: listening to others, emotional intelligence and knowing how to respond makes a world of difference in terms changing negative perceptions, minimizing rumors/speculations and minimizing if not preventing institutional/individual reputational damage,” Mendy added. In addition to the journalists, 50 members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were also certified for completing training on project management, advocacy, fund raising, and organization management. This comprehensive training equips CSOs with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Demba Kandeh, the Deputy Chief of Party at Freedom House said the project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He added that the project is meant to support Media and CSO development as well as support the protection of human rights and governance in the Gambia. Binta Fatty, one of the graduands shared her experiences and the importance of ethical journalism. “I am hopeful that we will fulfill our role as the eyes and ears of the public, keeping their interests in mind while upholding ethical values. I extend my appreciation to Freedom House, MAJaC and USAID, whose benevolent support has provided us with empowering opportunity”, Binta Added. Over the years, the Freedom House in partnership with MAJaC and other organizations have implemented projects on ethical reporting, court reporting, parliamentary reporting among others. They have also collaborated with CSOs and partners to develop the and civil society.
