This is an opportunity provided by the Free To Be Me programme: Find out more

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is offering a new training opportunity for journalists, under HIVOS's Free To Be Me programme (funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs), which works to build and maintain a movement of self-confident and diverse LGBTIQ+ organisations and activists who advocate for their human and socio-economic rights.

This training programme, running from 28^th November – 1^st December in Metro Manila, will convene 12 journalists, with an aim to:

• Deepen subject matter expertise on issues surrounding diversity, inclusion and LGBTIQ+ reporting in the Philippines
• Explore different story-telling angles
• Explore legal issues and safety and security
• Build networks and relationships with CSOs working in this space, as well as other journalists and experts
• Take a deep dive into data verification
• Improve social video content creation and build confidence in creating engaging social media content

It will involve a blend of lively interactive sessions, expert briefings, and exercises, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant training experience.

As part of the same TRF and HIVOS partnership, CSOs working in diversity, inclusion and LGBTIQ+ rights will receive media and communications training. Participants from both courses will be brought together at various points during the programme and will be encouraged to foster connections, work together and build a sustainable network.

At the end of the training, participants will pitch story ideas to our panel of trainers. If selected, journalists will embark on a three-month story development and mentoring process, and be awarded a grant of £300 upon publication of the final story.

TRF will deliver the hybrid training in English, combining four days of face-to-face sessions in Manila with offline work and online follow-up sessions in January 2024.

We invite interested journalists based in and around Manila to submit applications to participate in this new training opportunity, via the application process set out below and following this link.

Who Can Apply

WHO CAN APPLY

• Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations in the Philippines.
• Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience and should explain through their application why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use the learning in their professional work.
• Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.
• Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device at www.speedtest.net). Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the online training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.

Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents as part of the application process:

• Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
• A biography of up to 200 words outlining your career.
• A statement of up to 200 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use the learnings in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application.

Clear here to apply.

Please note there are limited spaces available; TRF will consider all applications on merit. TRF may be able to provide accommodation during the training, details of which will be shared with successful applicants.

If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com

Course Logistics

COURSE LOGISTICS

The training will take place in Metro Manila from 28^th November to 1^st December. Following the four-day training, participants will come back together for online sessions in January 2024 to continue networking and to share their experiences of putting into practice learnings from the in-person training.

TRF can accommodate participants for three nights if required, with breakfast and lunch provided at the hotel. Please indicate in the form if you will require accommodation. Details will be provided to successful applicants.

Those who successfully complete the course will also join TRF’s alumni network, with further access to follow-on sessions and networking opportunities. 

 

Meet Our Experts

MEET THE EXPERTS

Emmy Abdul Alim, Lead Trainer

Emmy (she/her) is a consultant and trainer for the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Emmy currently reports, writes, and edits for several news agencies and publishers including The Straits Times (Singapore), Zawya (UAE), and Refinitiv. She was previously an editor at Thomson Reuters, where she led correspondents and analysts covering business and finance news and intelligence. Emmy has lived and worked in her native Singapore, as well as in the UK, Egypt, Malaysia, and the UAE.

Hugo Greenhalgh, Co-Trainer

Hugo Greenhalgh (he/him) is the LGBTQ+ editor of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Reuters, and editor of its LGBTQ+ news website Openlynews.com. He has been nominated for the European Press Prize, Amnesty International’s Media Awards and the GLAAD Media Awards, and has been consistently named one of Pride Power’s top LGBTQ+ individuals in Britain.

Enrique Anarte, Co-Trainer

Enrique Anarte (he/him) is a Spanish journalist based in Berlin, Germany. His work focuses on queer topics and anti-LGBTQ+ misinformation. In his current role as the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s TikTok Lead, he heads vertical video production for Openly, the Foundation’s LGBTQ+ news brand. He has also reported for outlets including DW, NBC News, EFE and Reuters.