CNN Academy has opened in Abu Dhabi and has just welcomed its first batch of students.
The first classes took place on Sunday, 10 January and included a two-hour welcome and introductory session with Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and Anchor of Connect the World.
Becky Anderson said, "I am thrilled to welcome this talented group to the first CNN Academy Abu Dhabi. My colleagues and I at CNN are proud to support emerging talent, both from the region and abroad, and provide an immersive course in multiplatform storytelling to equip upcoming journalists with the skills they need to thrive in the industry."
The twofour54 training hub will provide its Creative Lab and Image Nation’s Arab Film Studio to students with all the necessary facilities and learning resources and equipment.
Michael Garin, CEO of twofour54 Abu Dhabi, who joined the session said, "Our team at twofour54 have always invested in future generations and developing the local media community by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers."
Over 100 applicants submitted a one-minute video about themselves as well as a story that they would like to publish to the global CNN audience. The final 16 students were selected, all currently residing in the UAE.
The five-week course will see students gaining knowledge and guidance from CNN journalists, content creators and specialists as well as learning skills that are required on the job.
Workshops will be conducted in person at the CNN’s Abu Dhabi bureau and the training hub at twofour54 and will follow all the safety protocols.