UNESCO calls for Grants Funding for Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa. The purpose of this call for grants is to provide funding to selected journalism schools, colleges, and universities across the continent. Each institution can receive a grant of up to USD 16,000 to implement a project that strengthens its journalism program. The proposed project should be based on the institution’s self-assessment of excellence using the criteria provided.
The “Promoting Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa” initiative, supported by the Google News Initiative, is working with universities and training centers to improve Journalism Education in Africa. They want to develop criteria for excellent journalism programs. Participating centers will assess their programs and submit proposals to fill any gaps. The project aims to strengthen the African media landscape by training the next generation of media workers and addressing current challenges. They are also discussing challenges faced by educators, like women journalists’ safety, teaching journalism in multiple languages, journalism ethics, accuracy, fact-checking, and entrepreneurial skills training for students.
Background and Aim of Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa
This call for grant funding is part of a project by UNESCO to promote Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa. The project, supported by the Google News Initiative, is being carried out by the Wits Centre for Journalism and the Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies. Its goal is to enhance the impact of journalism schools, colleges, and universities in Africa by improving their responsiveness to the training needs of journalists working on the continent.
As part of the project, a set of criteria for Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa has been developed through regional consultations with journalism educators. These criteria help institutions evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of their education and training programs in the African context.
Eligibility and Selection Process
- The Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa grants are open to journalism schools, colleges, and universities in Africa.
- Each institution can submit only one proposal. It is important to coordinate with colleagues to avoid duplicate proposals.
- Institutions that participated in the series of regional online consultations will be given priority in the selection process.
Funding Benefit
- Each successful applicant will receive funding of up to USD 16,000.
- A total of 10 grants will be awarded to selected institutions
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive and involves a selection committee. When making their decision, the committee will consider the following factors:
- Geography and language
- Diversity of topics
- The practicality of the proposed project within the given timeframe
- The capacity of the institution to execute the proposed project
- Emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and gender equity
Requirements
In order to be considered for Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa grant, please take note of the following requirements:
- Project proposals should be interesting, fresh, and innovative, addressing gaps identified through the self-assessment.
- While the purchase of equipment may be necessary for certain projects, proposals focusing primarily on capital expenditure will receive a lower score.
- Project proposals that contribute to a longer-term strategy and aim to fulfill a specific component of that strategy will be considered.
- Proposals can be submitted in English, French, Portuguese, or Arabic.
The proposed projects should be feasible to complete by March 31, 2024
Program details
If your proposal is successful and you are awarded the grant, please take note of the following schedule and requirements:
● Administrative Documents: As a successful applicant, you will need to provide the necessary administrative documents to the Wits Centre for Journalism in a timely manner for the disbursement of funds. A list of these documents will be provided upon grant approval.
● Project Duration: The activities for the proposed project should run from August 1, 2023, until March 15, 2024. It is important to note that the project should not depend on an immediate disbursement of funds for administrative reasons.
● Disbursement of Funds: The project funds will be disbursed in three tranches as follows:
- First Tranche: 40% of the funds (likely to be paid by September 30, 2023)
- Second Tranche: 40% of the funds (after receipt of the mid-period report)
- Third Tranche: 20% of the funds (after receipt of the final report)
- Project Reports: A brief mid-period report documenting the project’s progress will be required by October 31. Additionally, a more substantial final report of no less than 10,000 words, including an appendix of at least five photographs, must be completed and submitted by March 31, 2024.
● Participation and Communication: Successful applicants will be required to join a WhatsApp group of other awardees and participate in at least two online project update meetings during the project implementation period.
Proposal Form Requirements
To ensure that your proposal is considered, please prepare it using the following headings and include all the necessary information:
Section 1:
a) Name of your institution
b) Website of your institution (if applicable)
c) Your full name
d) Your position at the institution
e) Your email address
- It is important to note that completing the self-assessment questionnaire is a prerequisite for submitting a proposal. Your proposal should be based on the results of the questionnaire and aim to strengthen a specific aspect of your journalism education and training program.
- Please ensure that your proposal includes all the required information and addresses each of the headings provided. Failure to do so may result in your proposal being ineligible for consideration.
How to apply
To apply for the Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa grant complete the survey.
- The survey will help you identify any gaps in your journalism education program. you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a grant from UNESCO. The grant will support you in creating an action plan to address the gaps you’ve identified. Know that only institutions that have completed the survey will be eligible to apply for the grant.
- Fill out the survey here
- To learn more about the Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa call for proposals and the grant opportunity, you can check out this document.
Overview
Types of opportunity: Grant
Deadline: July 10, 2023.
Worth: USD 16,000
Open to: Journalism schools, colleges, and universities in Africa.
Duration: August 1, 2023, to March 15, 2024.
Organizer: The Wits Centre for Journalism.
Country: Africa.
Inquiry
For more information visit Excellence in Journalism Education in Africa
