Ten years have passed since the tragic double assassination of RFI reporters Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in Kidal, northern Mali. This painful event is etched in our memories, but it is also an opportunity for RFI to perpetuate their journalistic heritage. Thus, for the tenth consecutive year, RFI is launching the Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Grant, offering a unique opportunity to ten young journalists and ten young technicians from the African continent.
Open to candidates from the 25 French-speaking countries of Africa, this scholarship aims to reward and train young talents in the field of radio journalism. Candidates must be under the age of 35 and have worked in radio for at least two years. The training will take place in Abidjan and will last from October 16 to October 29, 2023. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills during practical workshops and to produce a report for journalists or a sound element for technicians.
The jury, made up of representatives from RFI, the Ivorian press, the Sciences Po School of Journalism and INA, will meet in Abidjan on November 1, 2023 to select the winners. The scholarship will be awarded the following day, November 2, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, in memory of Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon.
The winners will also have the opportunity to benefit from a one-month training in Paris, to perfect their skills and develop their professional network. This scholarship thus makes it possible to perpetuate the commitment and professionalism of Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, while offering young African talents a chance to make themselves known and contribute to quality journalism on the continent.
Applications are open from August 7 to August 25, 2023. Those interested must download the participation form, attach their curriculum vitae and their cover letter, as well as a report or a sound element corresponding to their field. All these elements must be sent to the address Bourserfi2023@rfi.fr before Friday August 25 at midnight, Paris time.
This tenth edition of the Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship represents a unique opportunity for young African journalists and technicians to train, get noticed and perpetuate the legacy of two talented and passionate journalists. RFI is thus committed to supporting and promoting quality journalism on the continent, while paying tribute to two emblematic figures who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession