Application Deadline: February 15th, 2020
International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) offer a bursary to up to six young Southern African (SADC-Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe + Kenia) and up to five young German journalists. For two months the Southern African delegates will have the chance to work in Germany. They will be integrated into the day-to-day journalism of their host newsroom while also researching stories for their home media.
It is assumed that all candidates have a strong command of the
English language. German language abilities are an advantage but are not
mandatory.
The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme is a multiyear
effort to shape an integrated understanding of the other country and
region and to foster relations between Africa and Germany. It has been
offered as a response to concerns about an increasing political and
cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended
to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the
political, economical, cultural as well as the social fabric of the host
country.
The bursary is named in honour of the former Federal President Horst Köhler and his exemplary dedication to the intensification of German-African relations.
Requirements
For all selected IJP fellows the programme starts with an introductory conference for all delegates. This will allow the participants from Southern Africa to familiarise themselves with the host country.
After that they will work for several weeks with media houses before going out to undertake individual research within Germany.
Applicants are asked to submit their preferences for the newspaper, radio or TV station or news agency they would like to work with. The possible location will be chosen by the IJP organisers in dialogue with each delegate. It is expected that former and new participants assist one another with regard to accommodation and contacts.
Benefits:
The Southern African delegates receive a fixed payment of 3,000 Euro. This is expected to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses. No further payments will be made: delegates are expected to use their own funds for any further costs. Payment for their work with the host media is not envisaged. To receive the full grant participants are obliged to write a report of at least three pages and provide copies of their published journalistic work after returning home.
Application Procedure:
All
journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States and Kenia) between
the age of 25 and 40 who regularly work for a media organisation can
apply.
1. Enclose a CV with a passport photograph.
2. Write a 800 word essay addressing the following topics:
- Why you would like to work in Germany
- What you expect from IJP and what you think you can contribute to it?
- What are the 3 research topics you want to pursue during the fellowship?
- What role you expect to play at your home media in the future?
- How you will spend the bursary?
3. Include
a one-page resume detailing your education and work experience, your
standard of German and English (copies of certificates/ e.g. Goethe
Institut/Toefel), plus 2 copies of articles written by you (TV and radio
journalists must type up their reports since no audio or video tapes
can be considered)
4. A journalistic
reference from your editor or head of department is required
(freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). It
should also guarantee your leave of absence for the duration of the
program.
Applicants are asked to send the application
documents (E-Mail) not before December 15th, 2019 and until February
15th, 2020 to the following address:
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the IJP Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme 2020