Thirteen journalists from a range of local and national media outlets have been awarded grants by the Simon Cumbers Media Fund to report on development issues. The successful applicants will report from 10 countries over the course of the year. Project themes funded under the summer 2016 scheme include the emergence of women in the workplace in Nicaragua; the impact of climate change on The Marshall Islands, and how music is being used in Sri Lanka to build reconciliation following a civil war.
A total of 25 project proposals were submitted for consideration to the Fund in the summer 2016 round. The funding awarded to the 12 successful projects amounts to more than €44,800. Separately, three student journalists have received funding under the Simon Cumbers Media Fund Student Scheme. The Scheme is designed to give students a greater understanding of development issues.Commenting, Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh, TD said: “I am delighted to see the continued interest of Irish journalists and student journalists wishing to report on issues of human rights, justice and equality in developing countries.
As part of their prize, the students will receive guidance and one-to-one mentoring from journalists from three major Irish media organisations: The Irish Times; Newstalk and thejournal.ie. These media outlets will also publish the winners’ reports.
Aisling Curtis, who has just completed a psychology degree at Trinity College Dublin, will travel to Mozambique to report on the consequences of child marriage on mental health. She will be mentored by deputy editor of thejournal.ie, Christine Bohan.
Jane Fallon Griffin, who has just completed a degree in History and Spanish at Trinity College Dublin, will travel to Uganda to explore the effects of the AIDS crisis on the young and the elderly. She will be mentored by The Irish Times Foreign Policy Editor, Paddy Smyth.
Kathy O’Hare, who is pursuing an MA in Digital Cultures at University College Cork, will travel to Tanzania to examine the impact coral blasting has on the environment, tourism and employment in the country. She will be mentored by Newstalk producer, Susan Cahill.
Of the initiative which is in its eleventh year, Mr McHugh added,“Supported by Irish Aid, the Simon Cumbers Media Fund provides an opportunity for media professionals and students to travel to developing countries and experience conditions and issues there. This allows them to paint a more vivid picture for their readers and listeners.”
Details of the successful projects and of how to apply to the Simon Cumbers Media Fund are available on www.simoncumbersmediafund.ie. The winter 2016 round will open shortly.
