MAJaC holds maiden graduation of students

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By MOMODOU JANNEH

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) has on Saturday held its maiden graduation of students at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.

In his welcoming remarks, the Managing Director of MAJaC, Sang Mendy, said:
“MAJaC will continue to strengthen democracy in The Gambia through broad-based high-quality professional training for media and communication specialists by nurturing critical minds for the rapidly evolving world of journalism and communication.

“The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication formally called Gambia Press Union has come a long way. The academy started as a pilot project some twelve years ago, aimed at producing highly qualified journalists that would strengthen democracy by holding duty bearers accountable for their actions and inaction. I can equivocally say the academy has continued to produce journalists who are shaping the country’s democracy and controlling the narrative.”

Further, Mr. Mendy says, the academies standard and benchmark gives them a competitive advantage over others in the sub-sector.

Advising the graduating students, Mendy said: “Graduands, as you bid of farewell, remember that MAJaC has given so much that you cannot fail. We have and shall continue to be interested in what you do out there. As goodwill ambassadors, MAJaC would like you to continue to remember the values, the high sense of professionalism, the ethical, and ethics instill in you to become well-rounded, well-educated and socially responsible journalists.

“You most continue to keep our flag flying high. You were taught in a multicultural, multi religious and nonpolitical environment using a diverse curriculum that exposed you to the realities of the world as well as new trends in the profession.

Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (MoHERST) said:
“In an era characterized by misinformation, competition and distraction, the need to promote quality journalism and effective communication cannot be questioned. Giving the Gambia’s new-found democracy, we would agree that a theme is not only apt, but also timely and necessary.

“While freedom of expression is a fundamental human and constitutional right. Lord Akins power’s notions outlined that, every institution is liable to be abused and every liberty if left unbridled has the tendency to become a license which would lead to disorder and anarchy.”

Prof. Gomez urges the graduands to facilitate peaceful coexistence among communities through quality information and effective and efficient community mechanisms. He highlighted that, his ministry considers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as essential for its positive impact in harnessing the youth dividend and improving employability for sustainable economic development.

Ebrima John, the valedictorian, in his speech echoed the positive impact MAJaC has played in his life. He highlighted that, seeking knowledge is not immune to challenges, and they all encountered challenges in one way or the other.

Advising his fellow graduands, John said: “My fellow graduands, as we prepare to commence our formal journalism practice, let us never forget the ethics we learned from our school. Perform our duties in accordance with the journalism principles is what is expected of us after years of study. Respect authority at work and make sure you are punctual and regular at your workplaces.”

Other speakers include, Muhammed S Bah, GPU President, Modou Joof, GPU Secretary and Saikou Jammeh, former Secretary General of GPU.

40 students were graduated, however, host of them were awarded for their outstanding performance during their academic training.

The ceremony is the first since the transforming of The Gambia Press Union School of Journalism to Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) in 2010.