“MONGABAY AFRICA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM 2024”

Mongabay Africa is launching a scholarship program in French for environmental journalism across the African continent. The initiative targets aspiring journalists residing in key biodiversity locations, offering them an opportunity to report on crucial environmental issues. The primary objective is to contribute to the career development of participants by providing training, experience, and credibility, with the hope that they will become regular contributors to Mongabay’s growing global network. Articles from fellows can be read on the Mongabay site.

The Scholarship Program:

In addition to the existing English- and Spanish-speaking fellowship programs, Mongabay Africa’s French-speaking fellowship program for environmental journalism supports up to 12 fellows annually, with each cohort consisting of six fellows from various countries.

Under the guidance of editors-in-chief, fellows will gain valuable experience within the international news organization, enhancing their skills in environmental reporting and building a portfolio of original publications to aid in their career development.

Benefits of Africa Scholarships for Environmental Journalism:

• The program runs twice a year: from April to June and from October to December.
• Targets six countries on the African continent, varying with each cohort.
• Each scholar receives $500 USD per month for the 3-month program, totaling $1,500 USD.
• Scholars will collaborate closely with the editor-in-chief and other journalists to produce three reports.
• Fellows commit to working 10 hours per week, delivering an average of one report per month, to be published on the Mongabay site.

Requirements for Africa Scholarships for Environmental Journalism:

• Aspiring to pursue a career as an environmental journalist.
• Ability to work remotely with a reliable internet connection and webcam, committing to 10 hours of work per week.
• For the initial cohort, candidates must reside in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, or Togo.
• No specific education level required; the program is not affiliated with any university.
• All application documents must be submitted in French.

Required Qualifications:

• Understanding the basics of reporting and interest in writing news articles.
• Interest in nature conservation issues.
• Aspiring to a career as an environmental journalist.
• Proven information and writing skills.
• Ability to meet scholarship program planning requirements.
• Any affinity towards multimedia content will be considered.

Selection Process:

The selections are made internally by the Mongabay teams, with applicants notified of their file status at least two weeks before the cohort starts. Applications are reviewed as received, encouraging early submissions.

• Application window for April-June cohort: February 26 – March 15.
• Application window for October-December cohort: June 15 – July 1.

Application Documents:

On the application form, applicants will provide contact details, answer questions about their interests, and upload the following documents:

• A CV (1-2 pages maximum).
• A cover letter (1 page maximum) introducing themselves and addressing career goals linked to environmental journalism.
• An example of a text (published or not) written in a journalistic style, related to an environmental theme.

Application Deadline

March 15, 2024

How to Apply

From the Source on Scholarship Grants: Scholarship Grants