African Journalist Study Programme: Workshop in Nairobi 2015

Africa’s relationship with emerging powers from the Global South has become a predominant feature of international media focus. Even where Africa media has sought to develop a continental perspective, the narrative of western views and opinions has largely influenced this outlook. As such there is a growing need for independent inquiry and investigation into the engagement of the Emerging Actors in Africa from African media sources. Of key interest is the necessity to examine how these emerging powers define their role and stake in aid, bilateral trade, investment and diplomatic ties with Africa. More importantly, there is also overwhelming need for African media to be able to hold these emerging actors as well as African governments accountable to the obligations and action plans in bilateral and multilateral agreements.

In view of the above, Fahamu’s Emerging Powers in Africa project is pleased to announce a call for applications for a journalist capacity building workshop to be hosted in Nairobi towards the middle to the end of March 2015. The workshop will seek to assist media practitioners with important insights and reporting techniques regarding the general coverage of the emerging powers’ footprint in Africa and more specifically meetings like the India-Africa Forum Summit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, which are scheduled to be hosted in 2015.

These events will provide important outcomes related to how African media understand and measure Africa’s relations with these actors’ vis-à-vis perceptions from international media. Furthermore it will also enable for the development of more nuanced insights into how ordinary African citizens inform their views about these emerging powers. Within this context the need for greater collaboration and interaction amongst African journalists for analysis, interrogation and investigation will become ever more pertinent.

Five successful applicants will be chosen to participate in the programme that aims to:

- Strengthen the capacity of African media commentators;
- Facilitate greater understanding of perceptions of the emerging powers in Africa, and vice versa;
- Expand on knowledge amongst African media of the emerging powers’ political, economic, societal and media footprint across the continent;
- Create an opportunity for African media organisations and journalism schools to develop long-term relationships, collaborations and exchanges between themselves
- Provide a platform to facilitate the implementation of capacity building projects and greater media coverage amongst African media on the activities of the emerging powers in Africa; and
- Include greater media participation in discussions and advocacy in Africa about the role of the emerging powers in Africa

2. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Media professionals in print, broadcast, radio and online fora based in Africa are encouraged to apply for the workshop. Lecturers from journalism schools and media programmes in Africa may also apply. Applicants must:

- Provide frequent reports to their national, regional, or local print media, radio, television channels or online fora on topics related to the engagement between African countries and the emerging powers. In the case of individuals from journalism schools or training programmes at a higher education institution issues related to the emerging powers in Africa must demonstrate how this will improve their curriculum development;

- Have at least 8- 10 years experience as a journalist or teaching in the profession;

- Be fluent in English;

- Have a valid passport and comply with their country's visa criteria for travel to Kenya;

The following costs will be reimbursed:

- Return ticket, economy class to Nairobi
- Accommodation in Nairobi for the duration of study tour,
- Visa costs,
- Meals and transport for duration of study tour.

Applications close on 20 February 2015 and successful applicants will be notified in the first week of March 2015. Late submissions and incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.

3. REQUIREMENTS

All applications are to be submitted electronically and must include:

- A current resume including professional work history;

- A brief proposal in English outlining a story you wish to cover in Africa related to specifically the India-Africa Forum Summit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that will be of interest to your target audience;

- A letter of recommendation from your organisation head/faculty head. If journalist applicants are not employed directly through a media organisation, please provide a letter of support from the organisation to which you are affiliated, including your relationship to the organisation;

- A letter, signed by your (affiliate) organisation or faculty head, motivating how participation in the training workshop will benefit your professional work and the work of your organisation. This should include an action plan detailing how your experience in the workshop will be incorporated into further capacity building and knowledge development within your organisation/journalism school in the three months following completion of the training workshop;

- Provide samples of three professional pieces of written work/manuscripts that have been printed or broadcast in the last 12 months; or an outline of courses taught;

Please ensure that all documents are compressed and/or zipped in compressed files to ensure all applications can be uploaded.

Applications must be submitted in English

4. CONCLUDING REMARKS

A contract will be signed between Fahamu and participants in order to fulfil the following obligations:

- Produce at least 2 commentary pieces for the Fahamu Emerging Powers in Africa Newsletter on India/China-Africa relations in the run to and following the two Summits;
- Make at least 3 regular contributions on civil society perspectives for publication in the Fahamu Emerging Powers in Africa Newsletter on topics agreed with Fahamu.

Applications should be sent to [email][email protected]

Deadline: 20 February 2015

For further information please contact

Sanusha Naidu: [email][email protected]
Or
Edwin Rwigi: [email][email protected]

* Fahamu (www.fahamu.org) is committed to serving the needs of organisations and social movements that aspire to progressive social change and that promote and protect human rights. Fahamu has extensive experience in distance learning for human rights organisations.