Dikan Journalism Fellowship

The Dikan Journalism Fellowship is an annual, paid opportunity designed for early to mid-career journalists in Ghana. This fellowship allows journalists to step away from their daily responsibilities and fully immerse themselves in the practice of journalism, focusing on impactful and in-depth reporting projects. The fellowship provides financial support, tools, space, training, and resources to equip journalists with the skills needed to excel in challenging Ghana’s journalism landscape.

Fellowship Overview

This five-month program combines hands-on reporting projects, rigorous research, mentorship, publishing opportunities, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning. Selected fellows will work on high-impact journalism that addresses some of the most critical issues facing Ghana today. With the knowledge and skills gained at Dikan, fellows will return to their professional roles, ready to produce more impactful, informed, and innovative journalism. The fellowship will be led and guided by both local and international journalists, scholars, and professionals.

Fellows will focus on underreported and vital topics related to gender, environmental issues, human rights, democracy, elections, transparency, and governance. Dikan provides essential resources such as secure laptops, office space, and all the necessary tools to support high-quality journalism. We welcome both freelance and employed journalists from diverse media backgrounds. Only ten fellows from Ghana will be selected for the program.

Support for Women Fellows

In our commitment to gender equity, the fellowship offers free accommodation in Accra for two women journalists from outside the capital.

Training and Skill Development

Fellows will receive training in the following key areas:

  • Digital journalism skills

  • Ethics and professional standards

  • Investigative reporting

  • Data Journalism

  • Media law and freedom of expression

  • Physical safety and security

  • Specialized reporting techniques

  • Media management and entrepreneurship

  • Solutions journalism and innovation

Additional Program Elements

  • Boot Camp for Journalist Safety, First Aid, and Mental Health: Fellows will undergo essential training to prioritize their safety and well-being in the field.

  • Regional Workshops: Alongside the fellowship, Dikan will offer 1-day workshops in Accra and a selected regional capital to train additional journalists in critical reporting skills.

  • Terms

    Fellows awarded our in-person fellowship are required to reside at Dikan for the full duration of the program. Attendance at all seminars and events is mandatory, and the fellowship must be the Fellow’s primary professional commitment. Applicants currently employed in a newsroom are encouraged to secure a leave of absence from their employer, with the understanding that they will return to their position upon completing the fellowship, where applicable.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must have at least three years of professional journalism experience.

  • Open to both freelance and employed journalists.

  • Ghanaian

  • Willingness to commit full-time for five months

  • Application Requirements:

  • Cover Letter: A 500-word letter explaining your interest in the fellowship and your career goals.

  • Résumé: A detailed CV highlighting your experience.

  • Work Samples: Submit 3-5 samples of your published work.

  • Recommendation Letter: One letter from a media professional familiar with your work.

How to Apply:

  • Send all materials to [education@dikancenter.org] by October 19, 2024.

  • Ensure all files are in PDF or Doc format.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: October 19, 2024

  • Fellowship Start Date: October 25, 2024 

For more details, visit our website or email [education@dikancenter.org]. We look forward to your application!

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