Two Climate Change Fellowship Programmes for journalists in the Southern Neighbourhood will enable 20 fellows to tell a better climate story and inform their audience by creating stories that go beyond highlighting the problem and come with constructive solutions.

The first fellowship programme will cover the following topic: How are young people mobilizing for climate action (creation of citizen/political movements, activism,  information campaigns, etc.)? 

The second fellowship programme will cover the following topic: Climate change and innovative methods for green economy and energy transition (recycling, renewable energies, green hydrogene etc.) 

The two fellowships will consist of:

• Training and individual coaching throughout the fellowship when producing one story in two different formats (article, podcast or video) on climate change (January – February – March 2024)Within an 10 week period, successful fellows will write and publish one story fitting in one of the above topic. Fellows will receive training at the beginning of the programme on basics of environmental journalism, information sources and journalistic angles. The fellows will also benefit from coaching throughout the  programme period from an experienced trainer/mentor on the writing process, selection of sources but also with the publication of the story. Free Press Unlimited will offer visibility of the material produced. All the fellows will receive financial support of 500 euros.
• Unlimited access to Free Press Unlimited’s TOTEM platform. TOTEM is an online platform that helps journalists and activists use digital security and privacy tools and tactics more effectively in their work.
• Two community of practice events (April 2024). During the first one, climate change experts will be invited to share knowledge on environmental issues in the MENA region and their experiences in that field. All fellows will have the opportunity to pitch their story. The second one will be the closing ceremony. The 6 best stories will be awarded (1,000 euros).

Who is invited to apply?

Eligible individuals must fulfill the following criteria:

• Be a journalist or a graduate in journalism
• Operating in one of the following countries: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia
• Willing to comply with core journalism principles (fact-based, accurate, independent, fair, impartial, accountable, etc.)
• Addressing one of the two above climate change topics and providing means to publish content productions (commitment from one or several media outlets to publish the applicant’s content)
• Having the technical capacities and experience in podcast or video production
• Proving commitment from one or several media outlets to publish their content (article and podcast or article and video)

Evaluation of successful candidates will be based on motivation, relevance of applicant’s climate change issue / story in line with the two proposed fellowship topics, reach and impact of applicant’s issue/story, approach to core journalism principles. Additionally, the jury will also look to ensure a balance across target countries, and proposed story themes. A total of 20 fellows will be selected.