Deadline: 21-Feb-22
The Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is seeking applications for the Breaking Down Barriers to Health Services.
Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) and the Global Fund are joining forces to combat human rights-related barriers to health services.
This important partnership aims to advance the Global Fund’s work on human rights as part of ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ initiative, by supporting journalists to generate awareness of how stigma and discrimination, gender inequalities and violence serve as barriers to health services for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partnership will also support the Global Fund’s civil society partners to work more effectively with the media. The initiative builds on TRF’s mission to support free, fair and informed societies and its expertise in using the power of journalism and the law to advance media freedom and protect human rights.
TRF will deliver a six-week online training programme in English, combining live video sessions and offline work, to strengthen journalistic skills and enhance knowledge of human rights-related barriers to health services.
The programme will also explore the efforts and programmes that aim to overcome these barriers, despite the immense difficulties brought about by COVID-19 and responses to the pandemic. The programme will involve a blend of lively interactive online sessions, expert briefings, and exercises, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant training experience.
Format
- During the programme, trainees will come together twice per week for training sessions that will comprise a blend of live group sessions, offline and group work, and time with expert speakers. Time will also be available for one-to-one sessions with TRF trainers.
- A forum will be created for continued discussion and networking between journalist participants and the Global Fund’s civil society partners participating in the parallel media training course.
- At the end of the course, participants will pitch story ideas for the opportunity to participate in a mentoring programme.
Eligibility Criteria
- TRF and the Global Fund would like to invite interested journalists, based in a selection of African countries to submit applications to participate in this new training opportunity, via the application process set out. The five countries eligible for participation in this programme are Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa.
- Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations based in the following countries: Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa.
- Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, and should explain through their applications why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use the learning in their professional work.
- Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme, including a commitment to publish the story they will produce should they participate in the mentoring component of the course. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.
- Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 1.5 MB/second. Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.
Please note: To ensure a reliable connection, Thomson Reuters Foundation will contribute to participants’ data costs.
Submission Criteria
Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents as part of the application process:
- Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
- A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career.
- A statement of between 250 and 500 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use what you learn in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.
For more information, visit https://tmsnrt.rs/3qWwxL2