Nairobi, Kenya

This course offered by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, is designed to encourage journalists to write with more confidence on a range of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS – sociological, developmental, economic, and clinical. According to the organisers, this is done through a mixture of expert briefings, discussions, practical writing exercises, and outside visits. The course usually features a high-profile public panel debate.

Click here [1] for more information about course.

Participants should come mainly from developing countries in Africa, Asia, South America, Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. Applicants should be reporters and feature writers in mainstream media who cover HIV/AIDS issues, not necessarily as specialists, and should have about 5 years experience. Tuition costs UK£200 (US$319) per day. Part-funded and full bursaries are available. Deadline for application is August 14, 2009.

Applicants will need to supply the following.

• a biography of up to 250 words outlining their career;
• background information (see website for details);
• two recent examples of published work, preferably relevant to the course;
• an outline of the HIV/AIDS situation in the applicants country; and
• a statement of between 250 and 500 words describing any factors affecting the applicant's work as a journalist.

Click here [2] to register online.