For the ninth time, the International Journalists' Programmes (IJP) is offering a bursary to as many as 6 young Southern African and as many as 5 young German journalists. The Southern African-German Journalists' Programme is an effort to shape an integrated understanding of another country and region and to foster relations between Africa and Germany. It has been offered as a response to concerns about the increasing political and cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the political, economical, and cultural, as well as social, fabric of the host country.

All journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States) between the age of 25 and 35 who regularly work for a media organisation can apply. It is assumed that all delegates have a strong command of the English language. German language abilities are an advantage but are not mandatory. The organisers indicate their expectation that each participant be thoroughly and intensively prepared for the programme, as an essential criterion for the grant. To qualify for the bursary, candidates must: 1) work for a media organisation; 2) be between 25 and 35 years old; 3) be fluent in English; and 4) come from one of the eligible countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. German is not mandatory.

The Fellowship 2009 begins in May 2009 with an introductory conference for all delegates, followed by the journalism internship. Applicants must submit their preferences for the newspaper, radio, or television station, or news agency where they would like to work in Germany.

Participants will receive a fixed payment of 3,000 Euro (about US$4,035) to cover most of their travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Click here for more information.

Applicants are asked to send the application documents (by e-mail or post) to the following address not before December 1 2008 and by the deadline of January 31 2009: vollmar@ijp.org

Each application must contain the following documents:

• a letter outlining the motivation and the planned subjects for research;
• Curriculum Vitae including phone, fax, and e-mail contacts;
• a passport-size photo;
• two samples of work (not more); television and radio journalists must type up their reports, since no audio or video tapes can be considered; and
• a journalistic reference written by the current editor (freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). Where appropriate, the reference should also guarantee leave of absence for the duration of the programme.

The next Fellowship will take place June/July 2009 for African Journalists in Germany.

The RAP 21 Newsletter 32/2008 and IJP website on October 23 2008 and email from Marco Vollmar on November 3 2008.