UNESCO Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa Initiative 2023

The “Promoting Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa” initiative invites 30+ universities and training centres across the continent to help develop criteria for excellence in journalism education. The initiative is supported by Google News Initiative and coordinated by the Wits Centre for Journalism and the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University (South Africa).

Based on the agreed upon criteria, the centres are invited to self-assess and identify gaps in their own programmes. They will be able to submit a proposal until 10 July 2023 for one of the 10 grants available to help address these gaps. For example, the proposals might involve integrating new UNESCO curriculum resources on fake news and disinformation, migration, terrorism and climate change, into their programmes, or deepening links between universities and the media industry. Institutions can also propose activities for using key international days like World Press Freedom Day to mobilize partnership, devise innovative teaching methodologies adapted to challenges identified in Africa, or take steps towards building a community of practice in African Journalism Education.  

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. I... read more

Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa Initiative

Aim and Benefits of Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa Initiative

Up to USD 16,000 will be allocated to each successful application, and a total of 10 grants will be awarded.

Requirements for Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa Initiative Qualification

Details of this call and the selection process:

• This grants funding opportunity is available to journalism schools, colleges and universities in Africa.
• Only one proposal per institution will be considered. Please confer with your colleagues to ensure that no duplicate proposals are received from your institution.
• Institutions that participated in the series of regional online consultations will be prioritised in the selection process.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa Initiative

The process of selection is competitive. However, the selection committee will take the fol institution to deliver on their proposed project; Diversity, inclusion and gender equity. Please see the appendix below for more details on these criteria for selection. ?

• While we are looking for interesting, fresh and innovative project proposals to address gaps identified through the self-assessment, and while we recognise the purchase of equipment (such as computers or cellphones) may be a necessary part of some project proposals, projects that prioritise capital expenditure will score less.
• Project proposals that contribute to a longer-term strategy and aim to complete a component of that strategy will also be considered.
• You may submit your proposal in English, French, Portuguese or Arabic.
• Projects that are proposed need to be able to be completed by March 31, 2024.lowing issues into consideration when making a decision: Geography and language; Diversity of topics; How practical the project proposed is within its timeframe;

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please prepare your proposal using the following headings. Only proposals that respond to all of these headings will be able to be considered. Section 1

• Name of institution
• Website of institution (if it has one)
• Your name
• Your position at institution
• Your email address

For more details, visit UNESCO website