Legal Aid Forum Rwanda (LAF) Environmental Journalism Training Program 2024

Applications are now open for the Legal Aid Forum Rwanda (LAF) Environmental Journalism Training Program 2024! In collaboration with Thomson Media and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, LAF is excited to offer this specialized training program to accredited Rwandan journalists.

This initiative aims to enhance environmental reporting skills, fostering high-quality storytelling and promoting sustainable development in Rwanda.

The program seeks to equip local journalists with essential skills and legal support to effectively report on environmental issues, including environmental crimes, the green economy, climate change, and sustainable adaption. Join their Environmental Journalism Training Program to master essential reporting skills, navigate potential legal challenges, and receive expert legal support throughout your project.

Benefits

• You will learn from experts in environmental reporting.
• The goal is to build practical skills in environmental reporting and master its legal challenges.
• You have the chance to learn in person from environmental journalists and legal experts through interactive workshops.
• You will receive production grant upon meeting criteria. Up to twelve of the fifteen successful applicants will receive production support of RWF 2.000.000 to help them produce their stories. Production support will be disbursed in six tranches during story production.
• You will get to understand media laws and receive free legal assistance from senior lawyers.

Eligibility

• Open to employed and freelance journalists.
• Journalists working in any medium or multiple media are welcome to apply (print, online, radio or television).
• Journalists should be based in Rwanda and work for local or international media organisations.
• Journalists applying must be fluent in English.
• Journalists working for a news organisation will need consent from their editor to take part. Freelancers should provide evidence that a media organisation is willing to take their work.
• You will need to provide a letter from your editor consenting to your participation and confirming that they will publish any story produced through the program. The letter from your editor needs to be signed and on official letterhead. Freelancers will also need a letter of recommendation from their editor, to ensure that their story will be published. This means affiliation to a media outlet is essential.

How to Apply

After finishing at least two of the three courses provided, you can upload your documents, namely:

• A 250-word article describing the environmental or climate issue you want to explore during the program.
• A personal statement explaining why you want to join the program and detailing any relevant professional or academic experiences/short CV.
• A letter of recommendation from your editor, including a commitment to publish your story upon completion of the training
• A copy of your valid press card.