We are looking for early career journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine who are looking to expand their investigative reporting skills, with a focus on organized crime and corruption, as well as to expand their professional network.

This intensive training programme is taught by reporters, editors and other experts with long and broad international experience. They all use the most sophisticated tools and methods for improved investigative journalism.

Journalism for Future Challenges 2018 programme will take place in Riga, Latvia, in three separate modules: September 3-7, 2018, November 26-30, 2018 and March 25-29, 2019.

The sessions will cover topics such as basic investigative reporting, planning and managing an investigative project, an overview of how organized crime and corruption works, personal security, advanced research on the internet, encrypting, source protection, ethics, news verification and visual journalism, amongst others.

Up to 20 participants will be selected and all will be fully funded (more details below). Participants must attend all three modules.

In order to be considered, you must:

  • be a citizen of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia or Ukraine

  • be an early career journalist looking to gain more experience in investigative journalism (prior work in investigative journalism is not necessary, but some general journalism experience is required)

  • ideally be between 20 and 35 years of age

  • have a strong interest in investigative journalism 

  • be fluent in spoken and written English

  • be in possession of your own computer, since information security is an important part of the course

The application deadline is July 28, 2018.

For more information and to submit your application, please visit https://www.mediaforfuture.lv/.