Case 4: Guyana—The Rebirth of Journalism Education with Project Phoenix

Abstract

Since September 2007, the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies (UGCCS), the country’s only media education institution, has undertaken an effort to connect education to the practical world of media, and bring media professionals into the classroom. The process began with consultations with external stakeholders, and a review of the existing curriculum. Respondents, including media managers, felt that the UGCCS curriculum was overly theoretical and outdated, and needed to incorporate areas such as investigative reporting and online journalism, as well as practical skills in print and electronic media (UGCCS Baseline Media Survey, 2008). The review noted that a significant number of graduates did not enter the media industry because of lack of jobs and poor pay. While some went into public relations and corporate communications, others emigrated, mainly to other Caribbean countries.