Establishment of a Faculty of Media and Communication for students from the five EAC countries

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The population of the EAC states generally does not receive serious and objective reporting on political, economic, social and ecological issues through the media. Democratic participation is hardly possible without a free and diverse media sector - because only an informed population can demand accountability from those in power and actively participate in social decision-making processes. A professional and pluralistic media landscape is therefore a key factor and catalyst for social transformation processes in East Africa. In recent years, more and more people in East Africa have gained access to media offerings. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression have also improved in most EAC member states, so that the scope for action of media professionals is less restricted by state influence. However, the quality of many media is still inadequate. As part of the FZ project, a regional media faculty, the Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC), is to be set up and operated sustainably for studying professionals from the EAC countries. In addition to the physical construction component, the establishment of a media faculty includes various training measures for journalists, employees of public, private and civil society institutions, as well as media managers and entrepreneurs. The Deutsche Welle Academy (DWA) is involved in the project as a consultant. AKU and DWA have developed the Media Viability Project concept, which includes, among other things, the establishment of a regional network of media institutes to strengthen media and public relations work in the EAC. Continuous monitoring to improve and ensure quality is also part of the planned measures. The total cost of the project is EUR 16.15 million, of which the FZ contribution (subsidy) amounts to EUR 14 million. AKU's own contribution amounts to EUR 2.15 million.