Digital Media Programme Inspires New Cohort of Young Creatives
The Youth Development Programme, under the Division of Youth Affairs in the Division of Youth and Culture, Prime Minister’s Office, recently welcomed a new cohort of students to its highly anticipated Digital Media Programme during an orientation session designed to introduce participants to the exciting opportunities ahead. The class begins on June 2nd, 2026 and runs for 6 months.
The programme, which is facilitated by digital media professional and filmmaker Rahmat Jn-Pierre, aims to equip young people with practical skills in film production, storytelling, content creation, and digital media while fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
During the orientation, students received an overview of the programme curriculum, which includes Introduction to Film, Cinematography, Sound for Film, Lighting for Film, Scriptwriting, Production Tools, Editing, and the creation of documentaries and short films. The programme will be offered through both morning and evening classes to accommodate participants’ varying schedules.
Addressing the students, Mr. David Denny, Youth Projects Coordinator within the Division of Youth Affairs, shared the history behind the initiative and highlighted the vision that led to its development. “This programme was created to provide young Barbadians with meaningful opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills and explore careers within the creative economy,” Mr. Denny explained. “We want our students to leave here not only with technical knowledge but with the confidence to create major projects and pursue opportunities that can transform their futures.”
Mr. Denny also highlighted the programme’s potential educational pathway, noting that participants may be able to continue their studies through advanced courses at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
He further revealed that participants in this year’s programme will work towards producing two major projects focused on Road Tennis and Barbadian Heritage, providing students with the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills to real-world productions. Reflecting on the programme’s success over the years, Mr. Denny expressed his satisfaction with the level of engagement shown by participants.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme is seeing how enthusiastic the students become. They arrive eager to learn, they immerse themselves in the process, and when they leave, they carry valuable skills and experiences that remain with them long after the programme has ended.”
He reminded students that success in the field of digital media requires dedication.
“This programme calls for energy, commitment, drive, and determination. The opportunities are there, but students must be prepared to put in the work and fully embrace the experience.”
Course tutor Rahmat Jn-Pierre encouraged participants to view the programme as a collaborative learning experience.
“We are all mirrors of the course,” he told the students. “You are here to learn from us, but we are also here to learn from you. Every student brings a unique perspective, creative vision, and passion to the programme.”
He emphasized that the students themselves are at the heart of the programme’s success.
“It is you, the student, who brings your passion to the course. The technical skills can be taught, but passion, creativity, and curiosity are what truly make great storytellers.”
The orientation session generated significant excitement among participants, many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the programme could create for their future careers.
One student described the programme as “an opportunity to turn a passion into something real,” while another shared that they were excited to learn the entire filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to editing.
Several students also noted that they were particularly interested in the possibility of advancing their studies in digital media and gaining practical experience through the programme’s major projects.
The Digital Media Programme forms part of the Division of Youth Affairs’ ongoing commitment to youth development and empowerment by providing young people with access to innovative training opportunities that support personal growth, creativity, and career development.
As the programme gets underway, students are eager to begin their journey into the world of digital storytelling and content creation, developing skills that can open doors to further education, entrepreneurship, and employment within the growing creative industries sector.
