Swedish agency offers training opportunities to African journalists

According to the Director Fojo Annelie Ewers, “The main objective of the program is to scrutinize the role of the media in democratic processes and strengthen the position of free and independent journalism.” The seminar provides opportunities for the professional journalists to reflect deeply on their current tasks and working conditions and to explore new perspectives, ideas and strategies for changing and developing their work at home.

The seminar focuses on obstacles and opportunities for professional and independent journalism, news evaluation, working methods and ethics – newsroom organization and leadership, power and gender structures in the media.

The Journalism and Democracy seminar also aims to open new perspectives on the media situation at home and in the world create networks and partnerships for future co-operation and support among journalists from different social and political systems, and developing journalistic methods.

The seminar will be conducted between 5 and 23 of May 2008 in the city of Kalmar, in southern Sweden. “This seminar will be arranged by the Institute for Further Education of Journalists, Fojo, under the auspices and sponsorship of The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida),” said a circular to several Swedish Diplomatic Missions, from Ewers.

“Due to the nature of this seminar Sida will, in addition to a scholarship covering participation fee and accommodation according to standard Sida policy, also cover costs for international travel to and from Sweden for the participants,” the statement added.

The seminar targets 20 participants mainly journalists with extensive journalistic experience and with capacity for interest in development and change. Those who intend to participate can find the application forms at Fojo's website: http://fojointernational.fo.hik.se. Applications should be submitted directly to the program organizer or to the nearest Swedish embassy/consulate by February 15, 2008. According to the organizers, the selected applicants will be notified by e-mail or telefax.

Fojo is Sweden's only mid-career training centre for professional Journalists, providing further training for some 1 500 Swedish journalists each year. The institute also offers further training for journalists from countries, Asia and Latin America as well as training programs especially focusing journalists in eastern and central Europe, central Asia.

Other countries invited for next years seminar include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Iran, Jordan, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Syria, Uruguay, and Venezuela.