More than a decade ago, I took a leap into uncharted territory and co-founded Media Academy SA with German TV producer Ute Mattigkeit. In the beginning, we organized five-day workshops in the boardroom of a Cape Town hotel. Standing in front of a group of eager participants was completely new to me, but I quickly discovered how much I loved it. There is something magical about sharing your knowledge and watching others grow and gain confidence in their skills.
One of the most memorable and rewarding workshops I’ve been involved in was for Mizzima, a news organization in Yangon, Myanmar. The German Goethe-Institut sponsored the training, and Ute reached out to see if I would assist her. Mizzima was transitioning from a print and online presence to include TV news, and they needed their journalists equipped for video reporting.
We found ourselves in Yangon during a period of newfound freedom. After years of military dictatorship, the country was opening up, and the excitement was palpable. The young journalists we trained were brimming with energy and curiosity, eager to master video journalism and tell stories about their rapidly changing nation. We taught them to create short news videos that were uploaded to Facebook, which quickly garnered tens of thousands of views. It was incredible to see their work reach so many people hungry for information.
Beyond the workshop itself, I was captivated by Myanmar’s rich culture and cuisine. Our lunch breaks at local food stalls were a highlight, enjoying the incredible flavors and delicacies of the region. The warmth and enthusiasm of the people, both in and outside the training sessions, made the experience unforgettable.
Sadly, the optimism of that period didn’t last. The military’s return to power, coupled with social media algorithms amplifying hateful rhetoric, turned the tide. The country that had been so full of hope fell into darkness once again. It deeply saddens me to think about the suffering of the people of Myanmar today.
However, I remain hopeful. The young journalists we trained are resourceful, resilient, and passionate. I believe they hold the potential to share stories of their beautiful country once again when freedom is restored. In the meantime, I hope they stay safe and keep their dreams alive for a brighter, freer Myanmar.
