SECTOR 4 4.9 Media professionals have access to training facilitates offering formal qualification programmes as well as opportunities to upgrade skills. There are a variety of training programmes for journalists starting at diploma level and going up to degree level. Of concern is the fact that many graduates pass each year but only very few are being absorbed into the market. The rate of unemployment is generally high in Zimbabwe and there are a large number of unemployed journalists. The diploma courses being offered at different colleges such as the Harare Polytechnic cater for the vocational needs of journalists and are more practical than theoretical. The teaching at other institutions does not seem to be adequate: journalists entering the newsroom for the first time have to undergo further on-the-job training because they are unable to master the practical aspects of journalism and have to be to taught to write properly. Universities are offering degree programmes for full-time students and for working journalists able to take short term breaks for their studies. There are also skills upgrade programmes being offered in specialised areas such as sub-editing, newsroom management or economics. Course participants often suggest topics based on their needs. There are short term training opportunities offered by organisations such as MISA, VMCZ and the Media Centre. The Media Centre is located in the Harare city centre and is a resource centre for journalists providing internet access and other facilities at a nominal fee. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 58 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012 3.5 (2010:3.1; 2008:3.0; 2006:4.0)