Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering story grants and mentorship to support journalists to report on air pollution in Nairobi ( Call for Proposals).
Air pollution is one of the biggest threats to human health, economy, and the overall ecological balance. In Nairobi, studies have shown that the air quality is consistently poor, with average annual PM2.5 levels more than four times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline levels. Furthermore, the ever-increasing population and the intensification of industries, deforestation, construction, and vehicular traffic have caused air quality to worsen in recent years.
Although air pollution and its associated health risks have caught the attention of policymakers and researchers, there is a lack of common understanding of the sources, impacts, and solutions to air pollution among stakeholders.
The media plays an important role in informing the public, influencing behavior, and driving solutions related to air pollution. Media stories can stimulate community dialogues and contribute toward an enabling environment for addressing air pollution.
Journalists are encouraged to examine the key sources of air pollution in Nairobi and its impacts on the local environment, economy and health, among other topics. they are particularly interested in story ideas that look into the impact of air pollution on different gender groups and vulnerable communities, as well as stories that amplify the voices and perspectives of these groups.
Benefits
EJN will award 7 grants with an average amount of 1,000 USD each.
Eligibility
- Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio).
- Journalists can apply as a group, but the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds on the group’s behalf if awarded.
- For the purposes of this grant opportunity, they will be accepting applications in English. However, selected grantees can produce stories in English or Kiswahili.
- EJN will accept applications from both freelance and staff journalists from all types of media organizations – international, national, local and community-based.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals.
- Relevance
- Angle in which the story is covered
- Impact
- Innovative storytelling
- Plan for timely publication
Application Process
- Applications should provide a detailed budget in an Excel spreadsheet with a justification for the amount requested.
- All applicants are required to provide a signed letter of support from their editor, explicitly stating that the media outlet will publish the stories produced as a result of this grant.
- Applicants will also need to submit two samples of stories or links to relevant work.
To apply for the Call for Proposals on Air Pollution in Nairobi, Kenya click here.
Deadline: June 30, 2023.
For more information on Call for Proposals on Air Pollution in Nairobi, Kenya, visit the official site.
