Hey there, future change-makers and storytellers! Ever dreamt of using your voice to make a real difference in your community? If you’re a community journalist or advocate in Northern Nigeria, then you’re going to want to hear about this incredible opportunity: the SCOJA Fellowship 2025!
The Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy (SCOJA) Fellowship, brought to you by HumAngle Foundation, is specifically designed to empower passionate individuals like you. This isn’t just a training program; it’s a chance to sharpen your reporting skills, dive deep into human rights advocacy, and champion local solutions to pressing issues in Northern Nigeria. If you’re ready to amplify unheard voices and hold power accountable, keep reading!
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is looking for dedicated community journalists and advocates from specific Nigerian states who are passionate about their local communities. Here’s who the SCOJA Fellowship is looking for:
- Journalists and advocates who focus their work on specific communities, towns, or states.
- You must reside in one of these target states: Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, or Kano.
- Individuals with a strong interest in driving community-led change and engaging with various stakeholders.
- Those who are ready to commit to a 6-month journey of consistent engagement, producing insightful reports, and interacting with key community figures.
A special note: Women are highly encouraged to apply! Your perspectives are incredibly valuable.
What Does It Cover?
This fellowship is packed with benefits designed to supercharge your career and impact. As a SCOJA Fellow, you’ll receive:
- Expert Mentorship: Get personalized guidance and support throughout the entire 6-month fellowship.
- Practical Support: Assistance in developing impactful reports and executing your advocacy initiatives.
- Skill Upgrades: Acquire advanced skills in advocacy, innovative reporting techniques, crucial fact-checking, and essential security/safety training for journalists and activists.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow passionate journalists and advocates, fostering a strong peer-to-peer learning environment.
- Stipend: Financial support for the duration of the Fellowship to help you focus on your important work.
The training component will cover a wide range of vital topics, including human rights, digital and physical safety, reporting on gender-based violence (SGBV), accountability journalism, climate change reporting, conflict-sensitive reporting, solutions reporting, data-driven journalism, and much more!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Applying for the SCOJA Fellowship is straightforward. You’ll need to demonstrate your passion for community journalism and advocacy, and your commitment to making a tangible difference.
If you’re selected, you’ll be expected to:
- Attend a mandatory 3-day training session in one of the focal states (Kaduna, Borno, or Plateau).
- Submit monthly reports on your activities and progress for 6 months.
- Produce at least 3 reports and launch 1 significant advocacy initiative during your fellowship.
- Actively participate in all surveys, data collection efforts, and virtual sessions.
- Conduct step-down training for your colleagues in your respective organizations, sharing your newly acquired knowledge.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a powerful network of community journalists and advocates driving positive change in Northern Nigeria!
Visit the Official Webpage and Apply for the SCOJA Fellowship Here!
If this sounds like the perfect next step for your journey in community journalism and advocacy, don’t wait — apply now! Your voice has the power to inspire change. While this fellowship is specific to Nigeria, we encourage you to explore more bursaries and opportunities on Bursaries Room for a range of funding options!
