Join the Summer University on Fact-Checking and Source Verification!

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Join the Summer University on Fact-Checking and Source Verification!

Are you a young journalist from the Western Balkans with a passion for truth and integrity in journalism?

We are excited to invite you to apply for our Summer University on Fact-Checking and Source Verification, designed to enhance your skills in verifying information and combating misinformation. This activity takes place in Budva, Montenegro from 17-20^th of October, in the framework of the project Balkans Voices 2 implemented by Canal France International-CFI, a French public agency that supports the world’s media and contribute to the fight for freedom of expression, press freedom and media independence, with the financial support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

What’s in for you?

• Expert Training: Learn from leading French and Western Balkans experts in the field of journalism and fact-checking.
• Hands-On Workshops: Engage in practical sessions that will sharpen your ability to verify sources and identify fake news.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow journalists and experts from across the region and meet local media renowned for their fact-checking expertise.
• Project Development: Work on a project proposal that you can implement to promote factual journalism in your community.
• Benefits from future project activities (stay tuned J)

Who can apply?

1. Young journalists aged 18-30 from the Western Balkans (especially those who participated as students in the series of master classes in the framework of Balkans Voice 1 project 2021-2022).
2. Journalism students with a passion for media studies and a commitment to improving their journalistic skills.
3. Young people with some experience in journalism or media work, and a desire to advance their skills in fact-checking and source verification.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Age: Applicants should be between 18-30 years old.
2. Geographic Location: Applicants should be based in Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro).
3. Educational Background: Applicants should have a background in journalism, communication, media studies, or a related field.
4. Professional Experience: Preference for applicants with at least 1 year of experience in journalism or media-related work.
5. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 30 July – 20 August 2024
• Selections Announcement: 10 September 2024
• Program Dates: 17-20 October

How to apply:

1) Please submit:

• A motivation letter (or a short video explaining your motivation), detail why you want to join the Summer University, what you hope to learn from the program, and how you plan to apply these skills in your future work.
• Your CV
• A copy of your ID card or passport
• 2-3 work samples: articles, reports, or projects that you have worked on which showcase your skills and experience in journalism or media-related fields. These can be works done professionally, as part of your studies, or through volunteer or freelance activities.

2) Please send these documents by email to marie.nardoux@cfi.fr. Ensure all files are in PDF format and clearly named with your name and the type of document (e.g., « Name_Surname_CV.pdf » and the email subject: Application for Summer University 2024).

3) Participation fee (travel, accommodation, training) are covered by the project.

Why should you join?

• Enhance your journalistic skills and credibility.
• Gain valuable insights and practical tools for your career.
• Become a part of a network dedicated to promoting ethical journalism in the Western Balkans.
• Boost your career and expand your professional network.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in the media landscape!

Let’s shape the future of journalism together!

#WesternBalkans #Journalism #FactChecking #SummerSchool #MediaIntegrity #ExpressionsBalkaniques2 #CFI

Annex I

Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria for Young Journalists for a Summer University on Fact-Checking and Source Verification

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Motivation and Goals (25%)
   • Motivation Letter: Clear and compelling explanation of why the applicant wants to attend the Summer University.
   • Career Goals: Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in journalism with a focus on fact-checking and source verification.
2. Experience and Skills (25%)
   • Work Samples: Submission of 2-3 published articles or media pieces showcasing the applicant’s journalism skills.
   • Fact-Checking Experience: Any prior experience in fact-checking, investigative journalism, or source verification.
   • Digital Literacy: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for verifying information.
3. Potential for Impact (20%)
   • Community Engagement: Evidence of engagement with local or online communities through journalism.
   • Project Proposal: Outline of a project or initiative the applicant plans to undertake after the Summer University, focusing on fact-checking and source verification.
4. Diversity and Inclusion (15%)
   • Background: Efforts to include applicants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups.
   • Geographic Diversity: Preference for a diverse representation of regions or countries.

Additional Considerations:

• Availability: Confirmation of availability for the entire duration of the Summer University (17^th – 20^th October).
• Commitment to Ethical Journalism: Demonstrated understanding and commitment to ethical standards in journalism.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work well in a team setting, as evidenced by past experiences.

Application Process:

1. Document Submission: Submission of required documents (motivation letter, CV, work samples) within 20 August 2024, midnight CET.