A training offer for African journalists passionate about sanitation and health issues is currently underway. The call was launched by Speak Up Africa and runs until October 31, 2019.
In 2020, about ten journalists from both sides of the continent will receive technical and financial support in the implementation of their research projects related to the improvement of sanitation and hygiene facilities in Africa. Speak Up Africa, a non-profit organisation based in Dakar, has recently launched a call for applications for African journalists who are passionate about sanitation issues in Africa. With this support, journalists will be able to publish the results of their scholarship research in their respective media. This is a significant action, inasmuch as it considers the role that the media can play in shaping the institutional agenda of States.
The projects developed by journalists must focus on one of the following four themes:
– The commitment of local authorities and parties to improve sanitation facilities;
– Collaboration with universities to highlight innovative tools developed to address sanitation challenges;
– The implementation of local campaigns to empower people to demand access to better sanitation facilities;
– Projects to raise awareness of the health risks associated with poor sanitation and the symptoms of related diseases.
The list of journalists selected for this scholarship will be known in December 2019. The winners will have the opportunity to take part in an orientation workshop to be held from February 24 to 27, 2020 in Uganda. It will be organised in conjunction with the 20th International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water Association (AWA). During the workshop, participants will receive insights on the main organisations working in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, on the one hand, and on the main challenges of the sanitation sector in Africa as well as major initiatives to address these challenges, on the other hand. A session on the development of articles developing sanitation issues will also be offered to participants.
In addition, journalists are required to publish an article on the conclusions of the international congress to be organised by the AWA and to produce at least four articles on health and sanitation during the year 2020.
Speak Up Africa is an organisation that provides strategic communication services and advocacy for sustainable development in Africa. It is based in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
Luchelle Feukeng
