Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) is one of the leading journalism institutions in the country, which has over the years churned out dozens of students from foundation to advance diploma programmes.
Located at Bakau New Town South, the institution within the short span of its existence, can pride itself with excellence under its motto-‘Quality Journalism and Effective Communication’.
At the orientation ceremony, Sang Mendy, Managing Director of the institution, gave a brief background of the institution, reminding that the institution has a group of trainers, who are Gambians and willing to help the students achieve their objectives.
Mendy stated that learning is always within the learner and the trainer, saying the trainer has a responsibility and “his responsibility is to prepare and to spend hours preparing his/her lectures and to prepare some practical exercises students are supposed to do, and then students take home assignments and work on them.
“If you want to succeed you must take learning as a challenge and a responsibility that behooves them.”
The most successful students, he stated, are the ones that get the best out of their trainers.
“The most successful students are the ones who do extra beyond the four corners of the classroom because not everything is taught in the classroom.” He added.
Also speaking, Isatou Keita, vice President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) and lecturer at MAJaC, reminded that journalism is quite daunting and duty-bound for every individual that is into it.
She urged new students to take lectures seriously and make sure their work speaks for them whenever they go out.
Keita also reminded that during the course of their programmes, they would be exposed to both theory and practical aspects, adding that those are some of the areas they would be armed with.
“And equally you would be amassed with knowledge, skills, and attitude.” she added.
Welcoming the new batch of students, Ndey Ceesay, vice president of the Student Union, expressed delight on behalf of the entire student fraternity to welcome the new students into the campus.
However, she reiterated that the only way for them to succeed is by being committed to their lectures and assignments.
“The student union is here to serve the interest and welfare of all the students. You can engage any of the union executive members whenever you are confronted with challenges. I equally encourage you all to be committed and work hard.” she declared.
Ebrima Mbye, a newly enrolled student in the Certificate programme, said knowing that MAJaC does both practical and theory inspired him to apply to the school.
“My expectations are high and that is to be among the great journalist who would become a great asset and contribute immensely to national development,” he added.
Fatou Conteh, a foundation student equally expressed delight to be given the opportunity to be enrolled in the school.
