PAU, PIN Partner To Train The Media On Digital Rights
The School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), and Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a non-profit organization that builds an ICT-enabled support system and advocates for digital rights and inclusion across Africa, formally established a partnership on Friday to train the media on digital rights and skills, aimed at enhancing media proficiency.
Bridgette Ndlovu, the PIN Partnership and Engagements Officer, said in a statement that the collaboration seeks to bolster understanding and capabilities in addressing digital rights and inclusion matters across Africa’s media landscape.
Ndlovu emphasized that this joint initiative is designed to empower journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to adeptly cover and address instances of digital rights infringements, while advocating for the promotion of inclusive digital environments throughout the continent.
“This partnership is part of PIN’s Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Programme (DRIMP) which encompasses media fellowships run collaboratively with academic institutions and sector experts.
“Through DRIMP, PIN partners with academic institutions and key digital rights experts to deliver capacity-building training sessions to early-career media practitioners and media students.
‘‘DRIMP exposes relevant programme fellows to digital rights and inclusion, enhancing their ability to report and respond to any violations that may arise.
“Building a strong network of informed advocates and reporters is crucial for promoting and protecting digital rights in Africa.
“And this collaboration marks a defining moment for the documentation of digital rights developments within Africa.
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“Through this partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, we will empower media students to hold governments and the private sector accountable for upholding digital rights standards,” she said.
Dr. Nwachukwu Egbunike, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, commented on the partnership, stating that it aligns with the school’s dedication to imparting industry-relevant skill sets to its students.
He highlighted that the collaboration would promote experiential learning, a key teaching objective at Pan-Atlantic University.
“PAU is excited to partner with PIN in equipping media students with the knowledge and skills to report on digital rights issues.
“This is essential for building a more just and equitable digital space in Africa.
“This collaboration comes at a time when rapid digitalisation and adoption of digital policies is gaining traction in Africa,” he said.
The senior lecturer said that through the partnership, PIN would provide technical facilitation on digital rights topics which include surveillance, data privacy and digital legislation in Nigeria and Africa.
According to him, media students at PAU will publish research papers on digital rights and inclusion.
“PIN will also offer internship opportunities to a maximum of two recommended outstanding students, who are part of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University programme per cohort.
‘‘The Internship slots will allow student beneficiaries to learn from and contribute to PIN’s or any of its partners’ work.
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