Open Data Journalism Training Program

CFI calls for applications for its Open Data Journalism Training Program for media professionals passionate about transparency in public action and open governance in Benin.

If you are a journalist (employee or freelance) or if you run a blog or any other high-visibility content in Benin, this 12-month program offers you the opportunity to improve your skills in open data journalism. Benefit from a 500 euro grant and personalised support to design and carry out your open data survey projects.

The Open Data Journalism Training Program is part of the PAGOF2 project, a project funded by AFD and jointly implemented by Expertise France – as lead partner – and CFI. PAGOF2 activities in Côte d’Ivoire aim to support public administrations, civil society and the media in fulfilling their commitments in the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

Objectives

• The objective of this initiative is to select 8 professionals from the written, online or audiovisual press, working in Benin, in order to support them in carrying out their projects through a training and support program dedicated to the creation of content and surveys based on open data.
• These activities will take place between September 2024 and July 2025. Each participant must produce at least one piece of content (such as an infographic, a map, articles, etc.) as well as a survey using open data.
• Candidates formally undertake to disseminate or publish online the achievements resulting from the program, mainly using their affiliated media (whose support is required to apply).

Eligibility

• Journalists or media professionals belonging to media organisations (print, audiovisual or online) or other editorial structures.
• Journalists or media professionals working as freelancers, but who can provide proof of a platform or media for the publication of their final project, and who are based in Benin.
• Individuals who are able to speak and write fluently in French, given that the workshops will be conducted in French. In addition, the surveys must necessarily be disseminated at least in French, with the possibility of translation.
• Bloggers and content producers who can demonstrate that they have a platform or media capable of publishing their final project. This type of candidate will be able to ensure the dissemination or publication of their work via their own media, provided that it has legal personality, a relevant editorial line, a significant audience and established visibility.
• Individuals with a perfect command of French to follow the workshops (which will be held in this language), but having the possibility of carrying out their final projects in another language.
• People who already have basic knowledge of data journalism and want to deepen their expertise in this field.
• Journalists or media professionals using Microsoft Office software such as Excel and Google Workspace tools such as Gmail, Drive, Google Docs, Sheets and Google Forms.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is September 20, 2024. To learn more and apply, please click here.