By Arret Jatta
One of the Gambia’s most prominent journalism schools, Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), begins its activity dubbed: “MAJaC Week,” a three-day event that commenced yesterday 6 June until Saturday 8 June 2024.
The event was interspersed with a match pass from Westfield to Gambia Pastoral Institute along Kairaba Avenue where the symposium was held.
The event was marked by debate, poetry, sports activities, pageantry, and other activities.
Muhammed S. Bah the president of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) who graced the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of journalism education.
“Journalism education in The Gambia holds a pivotal role in shaping a more informed, empowered, and democratic society. In these challenging times, the need for well-trained, ethical, and courageous journalists has never been greater”, he said.
He noted that at MAJaC, students are not merely trained but also guided with truth, integrity, and freedom of expression but was quick to highlight some of the discrepancies the media is facing.
“It is unfortunate that, nowadays, some of our colleagues who should be setting standards and creating progressive discourse are mostly seen venturing into personal attacks and bringing up issues that are not relevant to public discourse. I advise you not to fall into these lines, as it will be a dead venture and can critically undermine and dilute your professionalism and your role as journalists to serve the people”, he advised students.
The Director of Training at MAJaC, James Badjiealso talked extensively about the event which also creates an opportunity for their students to learn from the best, to network with peers and professionals, and to showcase their talents and skills.
He explained: “It is a celebration of our collective achievements and a platform to forge new paths in the ever-evolving landscape of media and communication.”
The institution has also recently added three new programmes, which include communication, film and photography, digital media production, and management.
