A journalism school is set to open in London to encourage diversity in creative industries.
The Cocoa School of Journalism and Creative Arts will launch in Beckenham on Monday.
The school is the idea of Serlina Boyd — who launched Cocoa, the first major black children’s magazine in 2020 — alongside her daughter Faith.
As well as traditional reporting, the school will reportedly teach news reporting, video editing, illustration, and a music academy.
The Cocoa Girl website adds that it will operate as an after-school club, special needs centre and offer adult classes.
Ms Boyd told The Voice: “We are excited to announce the opening of our journalism school at Cocoa Publishing.
“Our school will not only teach children the fundamentals of journalism but also provide support for those with special educational needs.”
Ms Boyd said the school will launch with an Easter holiday club, running 10am-4pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. She added there are still places available.
Cocoa Girl has been available since June 2020 and its brother title Cocoa Boy since September 2020. It has thousands of followers on social media.
Ms Boyd added that there will also be the chance to enter writing competitions.
“We want to teach children about writing and journalism and the power of words,” she added.
“We have got evening classes for adults, if they want to get into it, there’s a lot of people that can write and they don’t know it.
“They have so much to contribute and so much to tell the world.
“I hope the school will empower children and adults to use their voice because it is a gift.”
A new website for the school is set to launch next week. For more information, email: admin@thecocoadream.com
