NCCAR Planning to Launch a Journalism Internship Program

To support the democracy movement started by the Arab Spring, the National Council on Canada Arab Relations (NCCAR) is planning to offer a journalism internship program in Canada for students from the Middle East.

Free press is an essential part of democracy. It provides accountability for those in charge and information to citizens. A free press makes it difficult for leaders to practice corruption, violate human rights and acquire absolute power. Our new program aims to develop and enhance free press skills for selected young and promising students in the Middle East.

Through this program, two students from Middle East and North Africa countries will be selected to come to Canada to experience and learn how a free press operates. They will spend six to eight weeks working in Canadian media – newspaper, TV, radio, magazine, etc. The goal of the program is to provide these students with knowledge and skills that they can take back to their countries.

The plan is to have this internship program in operation by the end of 2012 and to expand on it in 2013. NCCAR is seeking sponsors and volunteers for this program. If you are interested in helping out with this program, either by donating or offering suggestions for media placements, please contact our program manager Ms. Gail Miller at: gailimiller@shaw.ca

For more information about the program, please click here to < >

Program Objective

To coordinate a six to eight week internship placement for one to two journalism students from a MENA country to work with media outlets in Canada.

Timing

The timing of the placement would be worked out with the student and the company/institution providing the internship.

Selection Process

NCCAR will work with reliable contacts in MENA to advertise the internships to Journalism students. Prospective students will be interviewed by NCCAR and participating media placements.

Funding

The cost of this program is $12,000. Funding for this program will come from several different sources. First, NCCAR members who have already expressed interest in supporting a democracy project will be approached. Secondly, application for grants will be send to Foundations with interest in journalism and/or democracy.

Orientation

NCCAR will provide interns with an outline of the program and a background to media organizations in Canada.

Compensation

Interns will receive a one-time stipend payment to help serve as a living allowance and to pay for travel costs.

Accountability

Interns are required to provide NCCAR with a report outlining their experience. They will also be expected to report back 6 months to a year later on the effects of the internship on their careers and impact on local democracy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Persons who have recently completed a degree in journalism or are near completion
• Excellent academic standing
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to speak English or French

Responsibilities of Intern

• Speak to organizations about the experience both in Canada and their home country.
• Participate in NCCAR activities and events while in Canada and in their home country via a webinar.

For questions or additional information on this program, please contact the program manager Ms. Gail Miller

Program Contact Information

Gail Miller
Email: gailimiller@shaw.ca

Posted on June 18, 2012