To celebrate World Press Freedom Day and the โGlobal Conference for Media Freedomโ (#DefendMediaFreedom), to be hosted by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Canada in July 2019, The British Embassy Mogadishu announces the launch of Young Somali Voices journalism prize (YSV).
In a statement on Tuesday, the UK Embassy said the new journalism prize is one example of UK support to the media in Somalia.
โThe UK is supporting media mentorship on issues including democracy and accountability as part of ourย ยฃ3 million programme on civic engagement in Somalia, with the aim of empowering citizens to raise their voices on political issues and increase inclusion,โ the statement adds โWe have also supported the media faculty at Hargeisa University.โ
World Press Freedom Day is officially recognised on the 3rdย of May each year. The day presents a vital opportunity to focus attention on the challenges and opportunities faced by Journalists around the world and to celebrate theย fundamental principles of press freedom.
The Award
The Somali Journalism Prize seeks a short videos and photographs from media students and early career journalists based in Somalia including which demonstrate a positive, original and unique story about Somalia.
This award will highlight the importance of defending media freedom and demonstrate the key role that the media play in creating an inclusive and open society in Somalia. It will also seek to identify and project young Somali voices including Somaliland and positive stories about Somalia.
The new prize was announced during World Press Freedom Day celebrations held at the British Embassy Mogadishu and co-hosted by Her Majestyโs Ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender, and representatives from the United Nations office in Somalia.
The event provided a platform for a cross section of Somali journalists to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities they face with regard to media freedom in Somalia.
โA free press is our best defence against corruption, extremism and abuse of power.ย Media freedom is under increasing attack in Somalia as journalists are routinely subjected toย intimidation, harassment and persecution.ย I look forward to continuing our work with the media, civil society organisations, international partners and the Government of Somalia to address these challenges together,โ Ambassador Fender said.
โThe objective of the British Embassyโs Somali Journalism Awardย is toย celebrate and promote theย important role that a free media plays in Somaliaย and to identify andย recognise emerging talent; we encourage all young Somali media students and new journalists to actively participate.โ Mr. Fender notes.
Criteria for entry
ยทย ย The competition is open to media students and early career journalists (3 years work experience and below, directly employed or freelance).
ยทย Applications from women and marginalised groups are particularly encouraged.
ยทย ย All entrants must be Somali nationals and have a valid travel document.
ยทย The deadline for entries isย 23:59ย onย Friday 7 June 2019.ย Any work submitted after this time will not be accepted.
How to enter
Submit either:
ยทย A video ofย up to 2 minutesย highlighting a positive and unique story about any aspect of life in Somalia. The video can be in Somali but must have English subtitles
or
ยทย A black and white or colour photograph depicting a positive and unique story about Somalia. The photograph should have a title or short caption.
The video/ photograph should be sent via WeTransfer or Google Drive toย UKinSomalia@gmail.comย . If you have any questions, or problems with the submission process, please contact the awards team atย UKinSomalia@gmail.comย before Friday 7 June 2019.
Include a one-page CV which includes your name, date of birth, education, employment history, copy of your travel document with your entry.
