Journalism education was initiated in Nepal in 1976 as the Journalism Department of the Tribhuvan University (TU) was established with support from UNESCO. Today, there are three universities and approximately 170 colleges giving training in journalism in Nepal, and the Nepali media landscape is thriving with thousands of newspapers and magazines, hundreds of radio channels and more than 30 TV channels. Journalism and mass communication courses are witnessing considerable demand from students with intent on pursuing careers in journalism and communication.
 
While the boom in private television channels and FM radio stations in the country fuels this demand, the educational institutions are facing a challenge in responding to the needs of a growing number of students. This creates challenges with regard to the competencies of teachers, (many of whom do not have degrees or experience in journalism) as well as the content and consistency of curricula, and the level of equipment and facilities. Through this project, Tribhuvan University (TU) will respond to this gap by conducting a pilot project for journalism training. The purpose of the project is to update and improve the journalism training in Nepal through introducing the UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Training for the first time in Nepal. TU will first review the current curricula for BA and MA level studies, and then revise it according to the UNESCO Model. In order to take full advantage of the revised curricula, the university will receive new tools, both in terms of textbooks and technical equipment that correspond with the revised curricula, as well as in terms of increased capacity of the teaching staff of the university.
 
The project will improve the level of journalism training in Nepal, in order to strengthen the professionalism and independence of journalists in Nepal. Through creating quality training for the students of journalism, the project will contribute to building the new generation of well trained journalists, able to fully assume the media’s important role in building democracy and strengthening peace.