THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has released the criteria for the WFP Award for humanitarian journalism.
The award aims at recognising journalists’ efforts to deliver consistent, in-depth coverage of humanitarian issues relating to people and communities affected by poverty, food insecurity and HIV and AIDS in Swaziland.
WFP Country Director Abdoulaye Balde cited HIV and AIDS as the major reason many people were starving in Swaziland.
He further mentioned that the initiative was aimed at encouraging journalists and their editors to join the battle and help save Swaziland.
"They can literally save lives by telling people how to find out their HIV status and what they can do to live longer with HIV," he stated.
He added that the first award would be scooped by a journalist practising in Swaziland, who produces a series of news items for print, radio or television on food security issues in relation to humanitarian concerns such as HIV and AIDS or tuberculosis, poverty, education, early childhood development, farming and crop diversification, women empowerment, and community development.
"The prize will be an all-expenses-paid, one-month internship with a media house in Johannesburg," Balde added.
"Submissions for the competition must include at least five broadcast segments or published articles. Each written article must be at least 500 published words. Each segment for radio or television must be at least one minute long."
He also highlighted that entries would be judged by representatives of WFP and participating media houses, based on the following criteria; clear, balanced presentation of issues; news worthiness of topical, interesting stories; correct information; good writing skills including grammar and spelling; ability to capture audiences’ interest and invite response; and consistent quality of work across the entire submission.
The competition will run until 31 October, 2006. Entries must be received by WFP’s Mbabane office by November 7, 2006. Journalists must register their intention to participate in the competition by contacting Siphiwe Dlamini or Chris Anum at the WFP offices.
