As part of its general effort towards improving education in Africa ADEA has launched an award that recognizes the best articles on education published in the African press. This competition is organized by ADEA and its Working Group on Communication for Education and Development (WGCOMED), which promotes the use of communication in support of education in Africa.

Selections will be made every two years.

The major goal in creating this Award is to encourage excellence in education reporting and highlight the paramount importance of relevant and quality public information and communication for the development of education in Africa. Specific objectives include:

• To encourage African journalists to write quality articles on education;
• To encourage African newspapers to publish regular columns and supplements on education;
• To foster the development of a network of African journalists specialized in covering education topics;
• To strengthen relations between ADEA and the African media, a major partner in the effort to promote and exchange information about education in Africa.

Who can apply?

Any article on education in Africa written in English, French or Portuguese, by an African journalist and published in an African newspaper, weekly, or other periodical is eligible. Articles for the Fifth edition of the Award must be published after January 1, 2006.

How will articles be selected?

Articles will be selected by a jury made up of senior education specialists and journalists. All members of the jury will be thoroughly acquainted with African issues. The following criteria will be taken into consideration in the selection process:

• The relevance of the topic addressed;
• The journalist's objectivity, critical analysis, and rigor in addressing the topic;
• The quality of the writing;
• The creativity of the work.

How many articles will be awarded?

Every edition will award two articles in English, two articles in French and two articles in Portuguese.

What will the award be?

• Winners of the first place in each language category will receive the sum of 3,000 euros. Winners of the second place in each language category will receive the sum of 2,000 euros.
• Winners and their editors-in-chief will be invited to participate in a study tour that will aim at furthering their professional development in education journalism.