A Tanzanian journalist working with Independent Television (ITV), Isakwisa Mwaifuge is among 20 journalists from different African countries who have been shortlisted in the USD1 million African Story Challenge grant.
The programme is conducted by African Media Initiative (AMI) based in Nairobi with the aim to encourage innovative multi-media storytelling that can help improve the health sector for the prosperity of Africans.
Having applied for the competitive grant to cover health issues, Mwaifuge will cover an investigative report on ‘potentials for reduction in morbidity and mortality through immunisation and vaccination in Tanzania’- focusing the regions of Lindi, Tanga and Singida.
In a press release, AMI Project Manager, Maimouna Jallow highlighted that over 200 entries from across the continent were screened by a technical review panel that evaluated which ideas have the best potential to become top stories on health issues.
Health was the second of five themed categories covered by the African Story Challenge. Other categories include maternal and child health, my Africa, original idea, business and technology.
“It’s exciting to see that our competition is attracting top caliber of journalists and a mix of well established media houses, as well as small but influential publications and stations,” said Story Challenge editor, Joseph Warungu.
“The range of story ideas proposed is rich and comprehensive and covers health issues that really matter to Africans,” he added.
According to the press release, the project encourages journalists to experiment new ideas and ways to engage audiences through mobile technology, social media and other innovative tools.
Finalists will attend a Story Camp in Lagos, Nigeria from January 18 to 24, this year, to refine their ideas and learn digital and data journalism tools to enhance their work and ensure maximum impact and public engagement.
They will also receive grants and mentoring to complete the projects. After their broadcast or publication, an international panel of editors and media experts will judge the short listed twenty stories and choose the winners.
During its two year run, the project will award approximately 100 major reporting grants and provide mentoring to support the best ideas for stories on development issues.
Journalists who produce the best stories published or broadcasted in media that reach African audiences, will win a major international reporting trip.
Other shortlisted applicants for the grant on health issues were Ajibola Amzat (Nigeria), Ayenew Haileselassie (Ethiopia), Bivai Idissa (Togo), Ebrima Sillah (Ghana/Senegal), Elísio Muchanga (Mozambique), Eugene Nforngwa (Cameroon), Gibbs Dube (Zimbabwe) and Joy Wanja (Kenya).
Also include Kerry Cullinan (South Africa), Kiprotich Koros (Kenya), Kolawole Talabi (Nigeria), Mongezi Zulu (Swaziland), Mutale Pamela Kapekele (Zambia), Ousman Sillah (Gambia), Raymond Bagur (Uganda), Rebbeca Davis (South Africa), Sam Makaka (Malawi), Selase Kove – Seyram (Ghana), Tsitsi Matope (Lesotho).
Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Mwaifuge said AMI’s grant is an important opportunity for journalists to accomplish their roles.