By Enock Sithole

Concerned with the fact that journalism education “often falls short of preparing students for the realities of the profession, and opportunities for professional development are limited”, journalism students are establishing the Journalism Students Network of Africa (JSNA) to unite and empower journalism students across the continent.

Spearheaded by the Journalism Students Network of Zimbabwe (JSNZ), JSNA plans to “rapidly expand its reach to foster a vibrant community of aspiring journalists”. 

“We believe that through strategic collaborations, this vision can come to fruition,” said Tafadzwa Tseisi, who is championing the initiative.

Tseisi said Africa’s media landscape was undergoing rapid transformation, demanding a new generation of journalists equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate through complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. 

“JSNA will empower students through access to essential resources, including technology, training, and financial support, while providing mentorship and guidance to develop skills and navigate the industry, ultimately assisting students in building professional networks and exploring career opportunities,” he said.

He added that JSNA would foster media literacy and critical thinking by equipping students to identify and debunk misinformation, cultivate strong journalistic ethics and integrity, create a platform for diverse voices and ensure a more informed and equitable media landscape.

“JSNA will bridge the gap between academia and industry by aligning curriculum with industry demands, providing practical experience through internships and workshops, and facilitating networking opportunities to expose students to the realities of the journalism profession,” said Tseisi.

The students’ entity plans to amplify media innovation by fostering networking, learning, and professional growth through physical and virtual exchanges connecting African journalism students. They also plan to organise events to encourage “experimentation with new storytelling formats and technologies to nurture a community of innovative young journalists”. 

According to Tseisi, JSNA will conduct research on media trends and challenges in Africa and advocate for policies that support journalism education and practice. 

JSNA will foster solidarity by connecting students across Africa, driving joint initiatives, amplifying marginalised voices, and advocating for social justice and creating a united front for addressing continental challenges. ‘’

Partners and beneficiaries of the students’ network will include media students, journalism educators’ networks, journalism schools and media support organisations.