kandahar university journalism context.doc

Kandahar University

Background Summary

March 2011

School Calendar While most universities in Afghanistan adhere to the “northern” or “cold provinces” schedule which starts just after Nowruz in late March and ends in December with exams, Kandahar University adheres to a “southern” or “hot provinces” schedule which mirrors the US school calendar, starting in late summer and ending in May or June. Exact start, end, and exam dates are not usually determined more than a few weeks or even days in advance.

Student Description

English Levels

· Percent of faculty members speaking some English:

· Engineering 95%

· Agriculture 50%

· Education 30%

· Medicine 60%

· Economics 70%

· Islamic Studies 20%

· Each faculty’s curriculum includes two years of English language as a requirement

· There are new English Language programs in the initial stages of implementation, for instance:

· Public Affairs has funded the hiring and training of additional faculty members in English

· USAID’s computer/internet lab recently enrolled students to take part in an English language class aside from the curriculum Vision – Kandahar University Kandahar University aspires to become a leading and unique higher education institution well known and respected internationally. The University aims to train capable human resources in technology, natural and environmental sciences, societal sciences, management, and journalism (radio, TV, and publications) who will play a significant role in the development of the country’s economy and the nation’s efforts to reduce the level of poverty and increase the overall human capacity in the public and private sectors. The student body hails mostly from the southwestern provinces (Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Urozgan, Zabul and Daikundi).

Future Plans for a Journalism Department Currently there is no journalism department; however, the establishment of a journalism department is outlined in the University’s five year strategic plan. The University would like to establish the journalism department under the future Political Science department. There is extensive support from the Academic Senate, Ministry of Higher Education, and all University faculties to establish a journalism department. The department of journalism will aspire to be one of the centers of excellence in journalism, communication education, training, research and global networking for promoting informed, free and democratic societies in the southwestern region of Afghanistan and the country at large. This effort will enable university staff and alumni to become experts and leaders in the field of journalism throughout the South and will allow the University to disperse relevant and accurate information to the regional, national and international community.

Note from Leslie Wright: The Faculty of Political Science is not yet established. Until the Faculty of Political Science is established, the Faculty of Education might be a potential location for a new journalism department.

Kandahar University is very much interested in leveraging the existing curriculums in-country (e.g. Kabul University), as well as learning from international institutions. “Kabul University is like the Mother of Afghan Universities.” In that context, the younger generation in the southwestern region is eager to have the same opportunities in Kandahar. Most of them are not able to go to Kabul to study journalism as most of them are responsible for working and supporting their families.

Regarding radio and television production, there is interest and potential existing among the Faculty of Education students and professors. These students and faculty are interested in producing radio and TV programs by students. Currently, two TV directors in Kandahar and the Director of Culture and Information Department are enrolled in the Faculty of Education’s night school program. Additionally, there are a number of local media journalists enrolled in various other faculties at Kandahar University or who are Kandahar alumni. All are very much interested in taking part in the establishment, operations, and maintenance of the future journalism department and associated structure. These students and others have expressed a keen interest in playing an effective role in societal awareness and broadcasting various programs that encourage the young generation to further their education.

Available Equipment for future Journalism Department Use Kandahar University has access to 4 computer internet labs that are functional and most will soon have reliable internet connections. The labs include roughly 110 desktops. Plans are in the works to secure equipment to run video conferences.

Ideas suggested by Kandahar University for a Partnership Preferred elements of a future partnership:

· US professors visiting Kandahar University;

· Afghan professors visiting US University;

· Student internships with Afghan/ international partners;

· New curriculum/ course development;

· Development or translation of new materials;

· Technical training Below are other points raised by the University in discussions about the partnership:

· Sharing best practices: Kandahar University would benefit from understanding best practices and lessons learned at other universities (e.g. Kabul and Herat) who have similar projects active.

· Library: A Media Operations Center library including the field of Journalism (e.g. access to research journals) is requested.

· Media Operations Center Operations: It was suggested that work supporting utilization of the Media Operations Center run parallel with the building construction activities to ensure that there is relevant human capacity to operate and maintain the Center upon completion. The group recommended that upon completion there should be at least (more if possible) two trainers present to guide/mentor the faculty/students on how to operate/maintain a Media Center.

· Staffing a new department: Considering the lack of faculty members in journalism in Kandahar, one option is to establish an incentive program of sorts to encourage faculty members from established journalism departments in Afghanistan to work with the new journalism department as a transitional plan. Once the first class graduates, the best among them would be selected to manage the department. Furthermore, a teacher’s assistance program could be considered to ensure that knowledge is transitioned from the mentoring faculty to the potential permanent faculty in their senior year.

Please note: The scope of this grant is a maximum of three years. Activities beyond a three-year time period will not be considered for funding. Any activities implying additional support needed beyond the scope of a three year period should include an explanation of how they will be sustained without USG funding.

Security & Collaboration with an American Partner The University sees no problem with working with American partners. Low profile travel to the university is preferred. Currently, it would be a bit difficult for an American partner to stay for a long period without security support in the city. However, it is possible for shorter time periods in some hotels. Staff members are able to travel to Kabul and/or other cities to collaborate with American partners as well.

Created from discussions with university staff and supporters facilitated and documented by Leslie Wright, USAID Field Program Officer, Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team