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Southern Africa is a region that is rapidly changing. In order to help journalists improve the skills
and standards they need to carry out their work, the McGee Fellowship in Southern Africa was created.
Each year, a McGee Fellow is posted to one or more nations in southern Africa for three to four months.
The Fellow is based at a university, media assistance organization or journalism association to conduct
professional development programs for local journalists in topics that best fit the local journalists'
needs and the Fellow's expertise. The Fellow will also seek out journalists who would benefit from
professional development programs in the United States.
Before departing overseas, the Fellow attends a weeklong orientation at ICFJ headquarters in Washington,
D.C., with other professionals embarking on international journalism training fellowships. The
fellowship covers travel, housing, health insurance and living expenses while on assignment and provides
an honorarium of $100 per day. It does not cover the costs of a spouse or traveling companion.
Upon returning to the United States, the Fellow shares his or her experiences with others through
lectures, seminars and published articles.
The McGee Foundation
The fellowship was set up in 2001 by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) with a grant from
the McGee Foundation, established by John F. and Ruth B. McGee and their family. The fellowship's
mission is to help build and fortify vigorous and independent media in southern Africa. John McGee, a
journalist and publisher for more than 40 years, was a Knight International Press Fellow in 1995,
carrying out newspaper consulting projects in conjunction with the Media Institute for Southern Africa
and working with journalists in the region.
Eligibility and Selection
The criteria for selection of the McGee Journalism Fellows in Southern Africa include:
- Outstanding personal and professional achievement in journalism or related technical,
management or business aspects of the media. The fellowship is open to print or broadcast
professionals, or journalism educators;
- Teaching or overseas experience;
- A spirit of adventure and a willingness to share expertise with others;
- A demonstrated ability or readiness to work under difficult conditions;
- Interest or experience in southern Africa.
Selection will be made by an advisory committee composed of journalists with experience in Africa as
well as representatives of ICFJ and the McGee Foundation.
Applications
To apply for the McGee Journalism Fellowship in Southern Africa, send the following to ICFJ:
- A completed form;
- An essay of 500 words or less, explaining your reasons for applying;
- Three letters of personal or professional recommendation.
The deadline for applications is April 16. Applicants will be notified of the selection results in May.
The selected Fellow will attend an orientation session in July and will begin the assignment before
the end of the year.
For more information about the fellowship, contact:
The McGee Journalism Fellowship in Southern
Africa mcgee@icfj.org
Printed applications are also available from ICFJ.
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