The aim of this program is to expose media professionals to an underreported field of work in national/regional development in the hopes of increasing reporting on digital rights and inclusion in Africa. The fellowship is designed to immerse outstanding mid-career journalists in digital rights and digital inclusion advocacy—and intervention efforts—in Africa.
Starting in April 2020, successful Media Fellows will work out of Paradigm Initiative offices in Nigeria (Lagos, Aba, Abuja and Kano), on various projects and contribute to improving public understanding of digital rights and inclusion issues in Africa. They will also get a chance to work with teams in Yaoundé (Cameroon), Lusaka (Zambia), Democratic Republic of Congo, and Accra (Ghana).
Components of the fellowship
- Fully-funded trip to attend the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in Abuja, Nigeria, in April 2020.
- Digital Rights/Inclusion training at the Paradigm Initiative headquarters in Lagos (Nigeria), in addition to communication with team members from other offices in Africa.
- Fully-funded 2-week residency program to visit Paradigm Initiative offices in Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Aba).
- 4-month virtual training and collaboration with Paradigm Initiative and partners.
- Fellowship may also include fully-funded local and international travels to participate in and cover relevant events related to Digital Rights and Inclusion.
- Interaction with leading stakeholders in digital rights advocacy.
- Paradigm Initiative will provide fellows with a monthly stipend, and a one-time research grant, during the fellowship period.
Expectations
- Fellows will be expected to participate in all scheduled activities.
- Fellows will be expected to publish, in their affiliated media (Print, TV, Radio, Online), at least 15 reports on digital rights and inclusion issues during the fellowship period. Fellows will retain full editorial direction on the stories.
- Fellows will be expected to continue to provide coverage to digital rights and inclusion issues after their fellowship.
Requirements
- The Fellowship is open to journalists affiliated with mainstream print and online newspapers in Africa.
- Interested candidates must demonstrate previous coverage of human rights and/or tech issues and interest in advocacy journalism.
- Interested candidates must not have spent more than ten years in journalism. We are most interested in outstanding, early-career journalists.
How to apply
Fill the application FORM before 15th February 2020. Visit the official website of the Paradigm Initiative Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Fellowship 2020 for more information. Also, if you have any queries about the program please send an email to [email protected]
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a social enterprise that builds ICT-enabled support systems and advocates for digital rights in order to improve the livelihoods of under-served young Africans. The organisation’s digital inclusion programs include a digital readiness school for young people living in under-served communities (LIFE) and a software engineering school targeting high potential young Nigerians (Dufuna). Both programs have a deliberate focus to ensure equal participation for women and girls.