The Guyana Media and Communication Academy is rapidly emerging as a transformative force, opening doors and creating life-changing opportunities for young people across the nation. Launched officially on World Press Freedom Day in 2022, the Academy was established as a strategic intervention to upskill and professionalize Guyana’s media industry, ensuring it keeps pace with the country’s dynamic socio-economic development.

At the heart of the Academy’s mission is the drive to shape a new generation of storytellers who reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Guyana. Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, has emphasized the Academy’s role in building national capacity and fostering a resilient media landscape rooted in excellence and integrity. “We are laying the foundation for a resilient media landscape, anchored in excellence and integrity. I am deeply proud of the work we are doing to equip young people with practical training, strong mentorship and meaningful engagement with seasoned industry professionals,” McCoy stated.

The Academy offers a wide array of courses, including speech writing, news presentation, feature writing, social media marketing, documentary making, filmmaking, and print journalism. These programs are designed to provide hands-on training and mentorship, giving participants the skills and confidence needed to thrive in both private and public sector media roles.

Inclusivity is a core value of the Academy, with efforts made to ensure every region and background is represented. The institution serves as a space where young people from all walks of life can find their voice, build their skills, and contribute to the nation’s evolving narrative.

Since its opening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in 2023, the Academy has already made a significant impact. More than 60 participants recently engaged in an Introduction to Communications session, gaining valuable insights from industry professionals. The 2024 training program continues this momentum, equipping even more youth with the tools and knowledge to pursue successful careers in media and communications.

As Guyana’s media landscape continues to expand and diversify, the Media Academy stands as a beacon of opportunity, empowering the next generation to tell their stories and shape the future of the nation’s communications sector.