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Young people Media and Freedom of Expression Programme NiZA’s Media Programme offers young journalism graduates in the Netherlands the opportunity to gain six months of work experience in South Africa or Namibian media.
In facilitating this exchange, NiZA has the following goals: - Bringing young Dutch journalists into contact with their South African or Namibian counterparts;
- Sensitising young Dutch journalists to the context and issues in the Southern Africa of today;
- Creating more attention for Southern Africa in the Dutch media;
- Making a contribution to the emergence of a new generation that is actively involved in development themes and international cooperation (both here and in Southern Africa).
PSO (an organisation for development cooperation, financed by the Dutch government) finances these experience placements for our South African and Namibian partners.
www.afrikajournalisten.nl is the platform for journalists who focus on Africa. Most of the members are affiliated with the Starters programme.
Options
At this point, the Starters programme primarily focuses on South Africa and Namibia. NiZA collaborated in the past year with many organisations that were able to place a starting journalist. (see the list from the dutch site)
The selected candidates start their programme long before they actually go on exchange. In the months prior to the exchange, they take a compulsory preparatory course in the Netherlands (including a test). The candidates also receive guidance in how to make freelance contacts in the Netherlands which they can use during the exchange period, in addition to their work.
Each Starter works for 6 months at one or two organisations. The Starter placement supplements the existing staff, rather than filling a vacant position, and the journalist is assigned a supervisor on location.
The Starter receives the following as compensation for the work:- a fixed monthly allowance (not a salary);
- a plane ticket (economy class);
- insurance policy;
- compensation for housing costs (if necessary).
NiZA also recommends that every candidate reserve some extra money for the trip, to cover extra expenses during the placement period.
After the placement period, the young people who went on exchange join the network of former Starters, so they can exchange information with each other and with NiZA and keep Africa on the map of information.
Registration
Interested candidates can register by sending an e-mail that includes a letter of motivation, a CV (both in English) and a list of marks achieved.
The candidates must in any case prove that they meet the following criteria: - Holds a degree in journalism from a higher professional school (HBO) or university;
- Graduated no more than two years ago (last degree completed);
- Good command of written and spoken English;
- Holds a Dutch passport and is no more than 30 years old as of 11 September;
- Main courses or electives in internationalisation, development cooperation or foreign reporting are preferred;
- Demonstrable affinity with Southern Africa is required.
Indicate in the letter what sort of journalism would be preferred (newspaper, magazine, Internet, radio, TV, editorial layout, photography, NGOs, etc.). However, NiZA cannot guarantee that all candidates will be able to work in their preferred area.
Selection
NiZA is responsible for the initial selection. After that point, NiZA consults with the media organisations involved. NiZA selects a number of candidates twice a year. In the period from January-March or in the period from July-September, the journalists go to work in South Africa or Namibia.
The selection process for 2007 has been completed. Selection for 2008 will start sometime in July/August 2007. Keep an eye on the website for the procedure and important dates.
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