By Enoch Sithole
The Journalism Students Network of Africa (JSNA) has joined the African Journalism Education Network (Ajen). The move brings together teachers and students, both working to improve the teaching of journalism on the African continent.
Welcoming the move, AJEN president, Professor Franz Kruger said, “We are very glad to welcome the Journalism Students Network of Africa as a member organisation of Ajen. We welcome the establishment of the student network, with whom we share a common commitment to excellent journalism education and quality journalism.
“The student perspective is important in helping us meet our goals, and we look forward to finding different ways of tackling the challenges facing teachers and students in this rapidly changing environment.” Said Franz.
JSNA’s Tafadzwa Tseisi, who is championing the initiative said, “Ajen’s commitment to fostering excellence in journalism education aligns seamlessly with JSNA’s goals.”
The JSNA was established by journalism students from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda and South Africa to address concerns that journalism education “often falls short of preparing students for the realities of the profession, and opportunities for professional development are limited”, Tafadzwa emphasised.
“Through Ajen, JSNA members can access invaluable resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities that will empower us to become future leaders in the field. Ajen’s focus on teaching a new generation of journalists, upskilling working professionals, and supporting community journalists, creates a holistic approach to journalism education, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in the media landscape,” he added.
He further added that AJen’s dedication to research, knowledge generation, and policy engagement provides a platform for JSNA members to contribute to critical discussions shaping the future of journalism in Africa.
“It is through participating in Ajen’s initiatives that JSNA could actively contribute to innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the media industry. This collaboration will not only enhance the skills and knowledge of JSNA members but also strengthen their collective voice and impact within the African journalism community,” Tafadzwa Tseisi concluded.
The article, Journalism educators and students join forces, was originally published on December 2, 2024 by the Ajen Newsletter