Are you interested in shining a light on the social and structural factors that shape health outcomes in your community? Do you have a story to tell about how poverty, inequality, access to healthcare, or living conditions impact people’s health?
Health-e News invites community journalists and grassroots activists to join our 2025 Social Determinants of Health Project, where you’ll gain the tools and support to make a real impact through storytelling.
What the Project Offers
- You’ll learn to write compelling stories and produce impactful videos that amplify the voices of your community
- You’ll learn how to use storytelling as a tool for change by addressing issues like housing, unemployment, gender-based violence, access to healthcare, and more.
- Your work will be published on Health-e News and its platforms, reaching policymakers, NGOs, and communities across South Africa.
- A stipend for each story produced
Who Should Apply?
- Community journalists with experience or a keen interest in health reporting.
- Grassroots activists actively involved in community initiatives, advocacy, or activism related to social and health justice.
You don’t need to be a seasoned journalist to apply! If you’re passionate, motivated, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you.
Commitment
- Participation in training workshops (virtual and in-person).
- Regular reporting and content creation between March 2025 and December 2025.
- Collaboration with other fellows and Health-e News staff.
Application Requirements
Personal Statement (250–400 words):
Tell us about yourself, your community work, or your journalism experience.
Why do you want to be part of this project?
What stories do you want to tell about factors contributing to poor health in your community?
Work Sample
For journalists: Submit 3 published writing and/or video samples.
For activists: Share writing samples, and/or a short description of a project or campaign you’ve been involved in (with photos or a link, if available).
Deadline
Applications close on Monday 3 February 2025. Please submit your application by noon latest.
How to Apply
Send your application to editor@health-e.org.za with the subject line: “Community Journalist/Activist Application – Social Determinants of Health Project”.
If you don’t want to be part of this project but would like to join the community journalist network, please see this call below.
If you are a grassroots health activist working in your community or a community journalist with an interest in health, we’d like to hear from you! We are looking for individuals who want to be part of our team of community journalists dedicated to bringing crucial health information to local audiences.
Health-e News’ OurHealth citizen journalism programme offers a unique opportunity for health activists and aspiring health journalists in rural and poorly-covered areas in South Africa to report stories about health issues affecting their communities.
Through their reporting, citizen journalists have an opportunity to hold local authorities and governments accountable for the conditions of health facilities, service delivery, and shine a spotlight on issues in their communities.
Who We Are Looking For
Are you interested in reading and commenting on local and national health news?
Do you have experience in community engagements and mobilisation, especially for health services access? Are you passionate about using media to highlight issues in your community? Are you confident in your ability to ask local authorities hard questions about the conditions of health services in your community?
If yes, then you’d be a great fit!
- Journalists with an interest in health reporting
- Experience or interest in covering health-related topics in your community
- A desire to contribute to a wider, impactful public health conversation
- Ability to write, report, and engage audiences through compelling stories
Types of stories we cover
- Local health service delivery stories that highlight successes and challenges
- Relatable health stories like young people forming their own mental health support groups
- Community-led health solutions and initiatives that are making a real impact
- Stories of local changemakers and organisations working to improve health in their communities
We believe in the power of community-led storytelling to drive change and raise awareness about critical health issues. If you want to join our mission, please get in touch.
How to Apply
Email your CV, a brief introduction, and writing samples to editor@health-e.org.za
If you don’t have any relevant work samples, please include two story ideas on health issues you’d like to report on.
We highly encourage young black womxn*, LGBTIAQ+ and gender non-conforming people to apply.
Source:
health-e.org.za
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