Improve Training of Journalists by Compiling a Comprehensive Syllabus based on the UNESCO Model Journalism Curriculum
The 26-year civil war in Sri Lanka resulted in a deep polarization within civil society and the media, with media professionals adopting self-censorship and other self-protection strategies within the relentlessly hostile environment. This has left a lasting impression on media outlets, who continue to be divided along linguistic and ethnic lines. The Sri Lankan Press Institute (SLPI), established in 2003, aims to aid the role of the media in the country's recovery process by delivering training in various aspects of journalism via its educational arm, the Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ). In its attempt to build a critical mass among the media community, the SLPI has identified three major areas of focus, namely Media Law Reform; Ethical Journalism; and Journalists' Rights. Although the SLCJ curriculum has been developed over the years with input from academics and industry professionals/resources, there is a constant struggle to keep up with emerging trends and to further raise the quality of education being delivered. In order to meet this demand, this project will develop and introduce a new journalism syllabus based on UNESCO's Model Curricula for Journalism Education, as well as providing training to SLCJ teaching staff. This will contribute to strengthening its academic capacity to provide the future generation of journalists with quality journalism education. OBJECTIVE To develop and implement a new journalism syllabus based on the UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Education, as well as providing capacity building training to teachers of journalism studies in order to improve the quality of journalism education being delivered.