Deadline: 20-Aug-23
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S Embassy of Sri Lanka announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to foster greater capacities in the Media Sector by the establishment of the SL Young Journalists Forum, a program aimed at creating a platform for young journalists in Sri Lanka to enhance their skills, foster networking opportunities, and develop a deeper understanding of current and future developments in the field of journalism.
Objectives
- The proposed program will focus on building local capacities within the network of established and new journalists to help participants develop media literacy and journalism skills, and aims to create a network of young leaders in the media sector who work across Sri Lanka to support free and fair media, to counter mis- and dis-information, to support citizen-responsive governance, and to foster greater cultural understanding.
- Facilitate the professional development of young journalists in Sri Lanka by:
- Empowering and nurturing the next generation of journalists, fostering their skills, networks, and understanding of the rapidly evolving media landscape
- Enhance participants’ understanding of key industry trends, leadership skills, policy developments, and emerging issues;
- Building marketing and outreach skills to ensure that journalism remains an economically viable field; and
- Improving knowledge and understanding of news-gathering strategies, media ethics, journalist safety, crisis reporting, and the business of journalism.
- Foster networking opportunities among a diverse group of young journalists to contribute to the development of a vibrant and professional journalism community, facilitating greater public discourse, and promoting informed journalism practice thereby:
- Enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration;
- Encouraging reporting and knowledge dissemination on topics discussed during the forum; and
- Establishing a sustainable alumni network to promote continued professional growth and collaboration.
- Identify and support exceptional participants for potential exchange programs.
Funding Information
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $75,000
- Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 – 15 months.
Expected Activities
- The proposal should include interaction opportunities during and beyond the program period, including group activities, site visits, community service, and mentoring sessions. The list of activities to include but are not limited to:
- Regular learning opportunities: Monthly learning sessions to engage participants with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, policy developers, Embassy leadership, and experts in field of interest, covering topics such as emerging journalism trends, media ethics, digital journalism, investigative reporting, coverage of critical issues, and more.
- Skill-building workshops: Interactive workshops to enhance participants’ journalistic skills, such as research techniques, effective writing, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and interview skills (held in Colombo and around the island).
- Networking events: Networking activities, such as panel discussions, roundtable sessions, and mentorship programs to foster connections among participants and industry professionals.
- Knowledge sharing and reporting: Opportunities to report on the topics discussed during the meetings or interview Embassy officials, thereby reinforcing their understanding and providing an opportunity for knowledge dissemination (e.g. articles, blog posts, podcasts, or multimedia content, etc).
- Community service and leadership development, fostering a sense of giving back, and building a sense of shared values and challenges.
- Cultural exchange programs: Providing opportunities to interact with international journalists and Embassy visitors, participate in media conferences, and engage in cross-cultural reporting assignments.
- Alumni network establishment: Facilitating continued communication, collaboration, and learning among participants.
Audience: Emerging Voices members of the Media Sector from all over the island, especially those between the ages of 18-30, reaching a diverse group, both male and female, and include representatives of Sri Lanka’s minority populations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is open to all non-profit, non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka. U.S. Universities, Sri Lankan Government entities, and individuals are not eligible for an award under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the local primary partner of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
- Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.
- Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.
- This award does not allow for construction activities or costs.
- U.S. Embassy Colombo Cooperative agreements cannot be used to fund religious or partisan political activity; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization, or illegal activities.
For more information, visit Media Capacity Building.