Communication & Information
© UNESCO/Bruno Demeocq
A community journalist in action for the local radio in Kedougou, Senegal.
UNESCO's work in the field of Communication and Information aims to:
- foster free flow of ideas and universal access to information;
- promote freedom of expression, pluralism and cultural diversity in African media and information networks; and
- improve access to information and communication technologies in particular in the public sector.
Community Multimedia Centres
UNESCO Dakar is particularly strong on promoting Community Multimedia Centres to empower communities and address the digital divide by combining community broadcasting with the Internet and related technologies.
Within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals Fund, supported by Spain (MDG-F), more than 50 centres have been set up since 2004 in the cluster countries (Cape Verde, Guinea- Bissau, Senegal and The Gambia) as well as Mali.
The centres are established with radio equipment, computers, printers and internet access. 1000 local volonteers have been trained in journalism, maintenance and as well as other issues such as gender violence.
UNESCO Dakar is instrumental in promoting cooperation among CMCs across Africa. Currently a network of CMCs in Africa is being created on Facebook. The Office has also facilitated the creation of a network of African journalism schools, which will contribute to the continous training of community volontiers.
Partnership and fund-raising for media development
Usually at the beginning of the year, UNESCO Dakar prepares in cooperation with media professionals a series of projects to mobilize funds under the International Programme forthe Development of Communication (IPDC) or other sources.
Culture and Development
UNESCO Dakar is responsible for the coordination of the MDG-F project ‘Promotion of Cultural Initiatives and Industries in Senegal’. This is a intersectoral project between the Communication & Information Sector works closely with the Culture Sector.