The Simon Cumbers Media Fund Student Scheme is now accepting applications from third-level students of all disciplines interested in travelling to a developing country to report for a national media outlet.
The Student Scheme is designed to give students a greater understanding of the developing world. The successful applicants will be funded to travel to one of Irish Aid’s key focus countries to research and produce a media project focusing on development issues for the media outlets. The Scheme is open to students from all disciplines, not just those with a journalistic background.
The Fund works with Newstalk and TheJournal.ie to offer two students the opportunity to work with experienced journalists to develop their story proposals. The mentors for this year’s competition are Newstalk producer Susan Cahill and TheJournal.ie deputy news editor, Daragh Brophy.
This year, the Fund is particularly interested in proposals that relate to the topic of climate action and applicants are encouraged to look at areas, including affordable and clean energy, sustainable use of marine resources and halting deforestation, desertification and biodiversity loss. However, all development-focused proposals will be considered.
Last year’s winners were Adam Daly, who reported on the long-term effects of climate change in Mozambique, for TheJournal.ie and Callum Lavery, who reported on life for children with disabilities in Zambia, for Newstalk. Previous recipients have reported on topics such as the challenges facing undocumented persons in Sierra Leone, the fight against leprosy in Tanzania, and female beekeepers in Ethiopia.
An information session for those interested will be held at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Iveagh House, 80 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 at 6pm on 27th February 2020. Students who wish to attend should register by emailing info@simoncumbersmediafund.ie, putting “Dublin information session” in the subject line.
Third level institutions interested in hosting a regional information session should email info@simoncumbersmediafund.ie, putting “Regional information session” in the subject line.
Applications to the Student Scheme must be submitted online through the Simon Cumbers Media Fund website by Monday, 23rd March 2020. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview with the mentors and a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Full details of the scheme are available here.
