CNA-CIDA International Fellowships for Canadian Journalists

The Canadian Newspaper Association (CNA) has announced the winners of the 2008-2009 CNA-CIDA International Fellowships that will assist young Canadian journalists in gaining valuable first-ever international reporting experience.

• Click here for a list of winners and their articles

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
The objective of the Fellowships is to provide young journalists (under 30) with practical experience and training needed to report fairly and competently on issues affecting the developing world and then to return home to report what they learned through media outlets where they work.

A committee comprised of senior journalists and international development experts selected four Fellowship recipients based on applicants’ proposals. Two Fellowships will be awarded to journalists working at small market newspapers (circulation under 30,000) and two will be awarded to journalists working at large market newspapers (circulation over 30,000).

CNA-CIDA Fellowship winners will travel to countries such as Bolivia, Honduras, Guyana and Nicaragua to pursue stories of their choice in one of the following categories: basic human needs, gender equality and integration of women in development, human rights, democracy, good governance, environment, infrastructure services and private sector development.

Successful proposals must contain strong Canadian angles, defined as in-depth examination of the impact of Canadian-funded humanitarian, environmental and development efforts in less developed countries of Latin America.

Prior to the in-field portion of the Fellowship, participants will be expected to undertake extensive research and will learn about development issues from Canadian relief and development agencies and CIDA. A seasoned journalism educator will provide guidance and practical tips on working in developing countries, researching, developing story outlines and setting up and maintaining contacts.

The budget has been set to cover airfare, accommodation and meals, guide and translation services and incidentals for seven to ten days of travel.

CNA-CIDA Fellowship Eligibility

Fellowship applicants must be:
• Canadian citizens under the age of 30
• Full time journalists with a minimum of three years experience and whose work appeared in a Canadian daily newspaper member of the CNA in the previous twelve months
• Willing to sign a waiver declaring that they travel at their own risk and releasing CNA, CIDA, and any individual involved in the capacity of mentor from any responsibility for accidental injury, loss of life or property.

Successful candidates will not have received CIDA funding in the past three years.