The Fahamu China in Africa Programme is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Journalist Study Tour to Beijing. Four successful applicants will be chosen to participate in a week-long study tour to China. Media professionals in print, broadcast, radio and online fora throughout Africa are encouraged to apply for this study tour. Lecturers from journalism schools and media programmes in Africa may also apply.
1. Introduction
Western media continues to dominate analysis and debate on China's engagement with Africa. Similarly, western media influences and perspectives can be noted in reports from African media sources. There is therefore a growing need for independent inquiry and investigation into the engagement of China in Africa from African media sources. Furthermore, the need for greater collaboration and interaction amongst African and Chinese media was reiterated during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Egypt 2009.
Within this context, the Fahamu China in Africa Programme is pleased to announce a call for applications for its Journalist Study Tour to Beijing. Four successful applicants will be chosen to participate in a week-long study tour to China that aims to:
- Strengthen the capacity of African media commentators on China's engagement with Africa
- Facilitate greater understanding of perceptions of China in Africa, and vice versa
- Expand on knowledge amongst African media of China's politics, economy, society and media
- Create an opportunity for African media organisations and journalism schools to develop long-term relationships, collaborations and exchanges with representatives from Chinese media and institutions
- Provide a platform to facilitate the implementation of capacity building projects and greater media coverage amongst African media on China's activities in Africa
- Include greater media participation in discussions and advocacy in China and in Africa about China's role in Africa
- Include visits to various Chinese media organisations, friendship associations, research institutes and journalism schools as well as African media representatives in Beijing.
2. Call for Applications
Media professionals in print, broadcast, radio and online fora throughout Africa are encouraged to apply for this study tour. 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 China's activities in Africa; or lecture at a journalism school or training programme at a higher education institution in Africa
- Have a valid passport and comply with their country's visa criteria for travel to China.
The following costs will be covered:
- Return ticket, economy class to China
- Accommodation in Beijing for the duration of study tour,
- Visa costs,
- Meals and transport for duration of study tour.
The study tour will take place between March and April 2010.
Applications close on 19 February 2010 and successful applicants will be notified in the first week of March 2010.
3. Requirements
All applications are to be submitted electronically and must include:
- A current resume including professional work history
- 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 study tour will benefit your professional work and the work of your organisation. This should include an action plan detailing how your experience in China will be incorporated into further capacity building and knowledge development within your organisation/journalism school in the three months following completion of the study tour
- Provide samples of four professional pieces of written work/manuscripts that have been printed or broadcast in the last 12 months; or an outline of courses taught if a lecturer in a journalism school/programme.
4. Concluding Remarks
Following the completion of the study tour, participants will be required to:
- Produce two commentary pieces for the Fahamu Emerging Powers in Africa website based on their experience in Beijing and the topics discussed
- Make regular contributions on civil society issues for publication in the Fahamu's Emerging Powers in Africa Newsletter
- Provide a follow up report detailing the implementation and outcomes of a capacity building activity completed through the participants (affiliate) organisation or journalism school within three months of completing the study tour.
Please direct all queries and applications to:
Ms Sanusha Naidu
Research Director
China/Emerging Powers in Africa Programme
Email: sanusha@fahamu.org
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International Institute for ICT Journalism
www.penplusbytes.org
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