Supporting the next generation of African journalists

This panel discussion will focus on journalism education in Africa and beyond, and feature insights from a UNESCO project to define and implement standards of excellence in journalism education across the African continent. The project was funded by the Google News Initiative, and implemented in partnership with the Wits Centre for Journalism together with the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University in South Africa.

During the discussion, UNESCO will present the criteria of excellence that were developed through an extensive consultation process, involving academics from all sub-regions of Africa. Representatives from two journalism schools will share their perspectives on addressing curriculum gaps based on these criteria. Nazarene Makena from Kenya will discuss efforts to improve the teaching of environmental journalism at Tangaza University College, in Nairobi. Fitih Alemu Feleke from Ethiopia will shed light on the importance of fostering diverse narratives, particularly regarding post-conflict reconstruction, through a gender-sensitive lens, drawing on experiences at Bahir Dar University.

The findings from this initiative have been compiled in a report that will be presented at the event.

Sponsored by Google News Initiative.