Media fellowship programme for Journalists in the Mekong subregion

The Inter Press Service (IPS) Asia-Pacific is inviting Journalists and photojournalists in the Mekong subregion to apply for a Media Fellowship Programme.

The programme, which has the theme: "Our Mekong: A vision amid Globalisation," will run from January to December 2002.

The programme hopes to encourage analysis of issues relevant to the human development of countries and communities in the Mekong subregion, using a regional lens that goes beyond national and political borders.

The fellowship is open to citizens of the countries in the Mekong subregion such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China (Yunnan province).

A total of 17 fellowships will be awarded: 12 writers and five photographers, men and women who have had at least three years' experience as journalists/ photographers.

This fellowship project is being undertaken by IPS, an international news agency that examines global issues and processes affecting peoples and nations especially in the South, with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation (Southeast Asia) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Priority will be given to proposals that include a variety of sources, give a voice and a face to different sectors and communities, including marginalised groups.

The writers are to produce a package of stories totaling 2,000 to 3,000 words to be. Photographers are to produce photo essays. A working knowledge of English is needed for the fellowship, but fellows may write their material in local languages. Workshops, which will be a venue for candidates to choose and develop the subject of their report/photojournalistic work, will be held on the first and last months of the fellowship programme.

The fellowship will include project-related travel to areas covered by the journalistic project, participation in two regional workshops and an honoraria.

a proposal of not less than 700 words, outlining the cross-border theme to be covered and its different aspects, target subjects to be interviewed, geographic location of the project, timetable of work and other details;
clippings of six published articles with byline (for journalists) and portfolio of 10 published photographs (for photojournalists);
at least two references; and,
a letter from his or her editor endorsing the application.

The Regional Director
Inter Press Service AsiaPacific
P O Box 180, Dusit Post Office
Bangkok, Thailand