Deadline: December 10, 2022
Applications are open for the Reporters Without Borders/taz Panter Foundation Rest & Refuge Fellowship 2023. The Fellowship is for journalists from countries with restricted information freedom. The Rest & Refuge Fellowship is a joint programme by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the taz Panter Foundation. It has taken place annually since 2015.
RSF is an international human rights organisation that defends the freedom of the press and information worldwide and helps persecuted journalists. The non-profit taz Panter Foundation, in close cooperation with the tageszeitung (taz), supports critical journalists as well as the social engagement of independent initiatives in Germany and worldwide.
Eligibility
- Open to all media professionals who need some time off from their difficult working conditions.
Requirements for a Successful Application
- Eligibility for the programme. The applicant has a firm idea of how the six-month fellowship in Berlin can have a positive impact on his or her current situation. Note: The fellowship should be used for personal development and, if necessary, professional reorientation so that the journalist can return to the home country with new viewpoints and replenished energy.
- Several years of work experience as a journalist. Note: Although they consider the work of human rights activists as highly valuable, they unfortunately cannot invite people who are not full-time journalists, as they do not fall under the mandate.
- Difficult working conditions. The applicant faces increased difficulties and threats in his or her professional surroundings.
- Sufficient knowledge of the English or German language. The applicant should be able to communicate with the supervisors and participate in the social programme.
- A passport that is valid for at least 12 months at the time of application (or can be re-applied for/renewed independently).
- A good state of health that allows longer journeys and the six-month stay in the host country, as well as sufficient independence to deal with everyday matters alone.
- The possibility of returning to the country of origin after the stay. Note: Applications from journalists who are unable to return to their home country due to the political situation there or their own risk profile, unfortunately cannot be considered in the application process. This is mainly due to the fact that no visa can be issued by the German authorities without the possibility of return.
Application
Your application must include the following documents:
- The completed and signed application form
- A scan of your current passport (still valid for 12 months, or independently renewable)
- Your curriculum vitae in tabular form
- A letter of motivation (1-2 pages) in which you explain why you need time off. Elaborate on what specific factors that threaten or complicate your personal work situation. Also write how you intend to use your time out in Berlin and how the time out will have a positive impact on your future work in your home country. To do so, answer the following questions:
- Why do you need time off right now?
- What positive change do you hope to see from taking time out (both personally and professionally)?
- How would you like to use the time off for your work after returning to your home country?
Send the completed application form and the other requested documents in one PDF document to: fellowship@taz.de by December 10, 2022 at 11:59 pm (CET). If you have a Protonmail mail account, you can send your application securely to restandrefuge@protonmail.com. An incomplete application will not be considered further.
For more information, visit Rest & Refuge Fellowship.