AUI students and faculty participated in a Media Summer School in Berlin, fully funded by DAAD, organized by a partner of the School of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, AREACORE at Freie Universitat, and coordinated by Dr Kenza Oumlil. The participants from Al Akhawayn University were Kawtar El Azouki, a graduate from the master's in communication and digital media, Houda Oumattotto, an undergraduate student from the School of Science and Engineering, and Naziha Houki, faculty in Communication Studies.
The Arab-European Association for Media and Communication Researchers brought together students and faculty from various countries in the Arab World for 4 days to study Media and Conflict Resolution. Along with visits of the German Parliament and historical sites in Berlin, the program included the visit of the national media company Deutch Welle and offered several lectures about the media coverage of conflicts in the region.
"Participants engaged in research on specific sub-themes, including media and migration, forced displacement, media production in exile, and disinformation and media control in times of conflict and war.
At the conclusion of the Summer School, participants presented their research findings in the form of short documentary films or podcasts. These creative projects highlighted the complex relationships between media and conflict, offering a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand." (AREACORE website)
In Their Own Words
"I was part of this year's Free University of Berlin Summer School, which I consider to be an amazing opportunity. Not only did I get a chance to work with an amazing diverse team, I also got to discover students and experts' different opinions about controversial topics. It truly was a great chance to learn what effects different media techniques can have on our beliefs and behavior so that our critical thinking becomes more immune to them. Moreover, being a business student, I consider being able to criticize and analyze different news and media posts and their reaction a crucial asset in forecasting and financial analysis." (Houda Oumattotto)
"At the heart of Berlin proudly stood a small Arabic book shop named Khan Aljanub. Ecstasy and nostalgia ran through me as I wandered around checking the exquisite collection of Arabic literature. From Naguib Mahfouz to Moustaghanemi, the shop was a precious treasure in display and a treat to both the eyes and the soul. I basked in the seducing scent of paper and reveled in the colorful atmosphere where a million words written by a hundred authors merged to form one single sentence: “You are home!”. Mohammed Rabie, the owner of this little piece of heaven, recounted his journey as a Berliner and delineated how his shop came to life along with all the trials and tribulations that stood in his way. Absorbed and captivated, we all listened." (Kawtar El Azouki)
AREACORE and SSAH sends a call for participation each year for students to participate in various media and communication program for an enriching inter-cultural exchange on media and communication in the region while earning certificates in essential 21st century skills.
You will find attached photos of the Berlin Summer School.