The consultation will bring together representatives of journalism institutions from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, as well as experts in the field of journalism education from francophone and Arab countries. The meeting will analyse the original UNESCO Model Curricula and its francophone version developed by Théophraste, the world network of French-speaking journalism schools, with the view of its adaptation to Maghreb journalism schools.

The UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Education is a generic model that can be adapted according to each country’s specific needs. It takes into account social, economic, political and cultural contexts of developing countries and emerging democracies, highlighting the connection between democracy and journalism, and arguing for a more cross-disciplinary approach within journalism-training organizations.

Although recommendatory in nature, the Curricula offer a comparative framework for the adoption and adaptation, depending on institutional responses. The meeting in Rabat, organized in cooperation with ISESCO, will discuss these responses with regard to the French-speaking Maghreb countries. A strategy document focusing on the following items is expected as an outcome of this meeting:

• determining steps for the implementation of the Curricula in journalism schools;
  
• identifying requirements to facilitate the adaptation of the Curricula;
  
• developing strategic projects to meet needs of institutions interested in adapting the Curricula;
  
• compiling local bibliographies for the Curricula (including translation of media textbooks, UNESCO publications and manuals on media history in the region);
  
• building capacities of trainers;
  
• building collaborations with renowned universities and journalism-training organizations in Maghreb countries for twining arrangements;
  
• proposing ideas to improve the Curricula.

The UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Education is available online for free download in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish: click here.