Application Deadline: November 25th, 2024 at 11:59 pm (CET)
Applications are now open for the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Rest & Refuge Fellowship. The Rest & Resilience Fellowship is a joint project of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the taz Panter Foundation. Since 2015, two journalists from countries with restricted freedom of the press and information have been invited yearly to Berlin.
The fellowship program can be individually tailored to each fellow’s needs and interests and does not require participation in a structured daily program. However, during the stay in Berlin, joint activities and visits to media houses are offered, and the fellows gain insights into the work of Reporters Without Borders, a globally active human rights organisation, and the taz Panter Foundation, which supports independent and critical journalists in close cooperation with the tageszeitung (taz).
Requirements
- Eligibility for the program. The applicant has a firm idea of how the six-month fellowship in Berlin can have a positive impact on his or her current working situation.
Please Note: The fellowship should be used for personal development and, if necessary, professional reorientation; the journalist can return to their home country with new viewpoints and replenished energy. - Several years of relevant work experience as a professional journalist.
Please note: Although the work of human rights activists is very valuable, we cannot invite individuals who are not professional journalists, as they do not fall under RSF’s mandate. - Personal threat profile due to journalistic work or difficult working conditions caused by external risk factors.
- Proven knowledge of the English language. The applicants must be able to communicate well in a professional context.
- A passport that is valid for at least twelve months at the time of application (or can be independently re-applied/renewed).
- A state of health that permits longer travel and the six-month stay in the host country, as well as sufficient independence to handle everyday affairs on their own in a foreign setting.
- Ability and willingness to return to the country of origin after the fellowship period.Please note: Applications from journalists who are unable to return to their home country due to the political situation or their own threat situation can unfortunately not be considered in the application process. This is mainly due to the fact that no visa will be issued by the German authorities without a possibility of return.
Benefits
- Visa and travel costs
- Furnished apartment in Berlin
- Travel health insurance for the six months spent in Berlin
- Monthly grant of 1000€
- Psychological support
- Workshops (e.g. on digital safety training, stress management)
- Professional journalistic and/or personal training opportunities
INTEND PERIOD OF STAY
The stay in Berlin is limited to six months. The projected time period of the fellowships will be from May 1st to October 31st, 2025.
HOW TO APPLY?
The Rest & Resilience Fellowship is open to journalists from countries with restricted freedom of press and information. Apply now!
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Rest & Refuge Fellowship