London, 3 May 2011 - The Guardian International Development Journalism Competition aimed at aspiring and professional journalists launches today. CARE International are one of nine international development agencies involved. The national competition seeks to shine a light on some of the most challenging issues facing the developing world today through impactful journalism.
Shortlisted finalists have the opportunity to travel abroad to Africa or Asia and report on the issues firsthand. This year’s supporting charities are Marie Stopes International, CARE International UK, The David Rattray Memorial Trust (UK), Direct Relief International, FHI, International Childcare Trust, Malaria Consortium, Plan UK, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.
Created by Marie Stopes International and The Guardian, the annual competition is sponsored by Glaxo Smith Kline and – new this year - Barclays.
Marie Stopes International CEO Dana Hovig says, “Development is often side lined by more attention grabbing headlines. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for journalists to bring international development stories to life and put them back on the news agenda. The standard of entries to the competition is always incredibly high and we are really looking forward to seeing what this year’s entries bring”.
The 16 best writers (eight amateur, eight professional) will have their articles printed in special supplements of The Guardian, and featured on the newspaper’s website (www.guardian.co.uk).
The deadline for entries is Monday 13th June 2011. For more details of the competition, including information on how to enter, visit http://www.guardian.co.uk/journalismcompetition.
