The 2024 African Journalism Education Network (AJEN) has convened participants across Africa to explore innovative approaches to teaching journalism across African institutions of higher learning, emphasizing the need for curricula that equip students with the skills to produce high-quality, ethical, and sustainable content.
This conference brings together leading academics, journalists, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss the pivotal role of journalism education in addressing the complex challenges facing media and society in Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference is focusing on several key areas: sustainable journalism education, gender reporting, climate change education, and the future of media in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Speaking at the opening ceremony was the AJEN Vice President & Dean of GSMC, Aga Khan University Prof Nancy Booker who stressed on the need to ensure future generations inherit a safe and sustainable environment. “The future of journalism is more alive than ever, especially now against the backdrop of global crises that demand the attention of media stakeholders. As the Aga Khan University, we are preparing our students with the necessary skills and competence for this new order,” she said.
The event was also graced by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya, Sebastian Growth who commended such platforms that are addressing threats facing journalism. “Journalism, globally, is facing threats such as technological revolution, shrinking spaces, economic viability and the developments in the domestic political fields all which are exerting pressure on the profession. It is therefore necessary for collaborations to face these challenges,” he said.
In attendance was also Prof Franz Kruger, AJEN President & Associate Researcher at the Wits University; Dr Margaret Hughes, World Journalism Education Council Chair; and Hendrik Sittig, Director for the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The conference also highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to gender reporting and the need for journalism to adapt to emerging issues.
As Pam Sittoni from the Thomson Foundation Board stated, “We need to mainstream gender reporting advocating for a balance.” Professor Sisanda Nkoala from the University of Western Cape echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of reinventing journalism to speak to trends and emerging issues.
Climate change is a central theme of the conference. Prof. Nicholas Oguge, Centre for Advances Studies in Environmental Law, University of Nairobi discussed the crucial role of journalism in raising awareness and understanding of climate-related issues. He emphasized on the importance of integrating climate change education into journalism curricula and exploring strategies for journalists to navigate the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
The conference is underscoring the importance of fostering a new generation of journalists equipped to address the complex challenges of our time. Discussions are highlighting the need to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that empower young African journalists to become effective agents of change.
One of the key discussions centers on the role of journalism in promoting sustainable development. Participants are exploring how journalism can contribute to raising awareness of environmental issues, advocating for sustainable practices, and holding governments and corporations accountable for their actions.
The African Journalism Education Network conference is providing a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in the field of journalism education. The event underscores the critical role of journalism in addressing the complex challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the areas of climate change, gender reporting, and sustainable development.
As the conference continues, participants are expressing their commitment to working together to strengthen journalism education in the region and to ensure that journalism continues to play a vital role in promoting democracy, justice, and sustainable development.
