Applications open for the ILO Voices against child labour: A media competition

Applications are currently being accepted for the ILO Voices against child labour: A media competition. This media competition goes beyond being a simple contest; it serves as a call to action for media professionals and students to lend their voices and skills to an important global cause. By utilizing their influence, participants can truly make a difference in the fight against child labour.

The competition has several objectives. Firstly, it aims to raise public awareness and enhance understanding of the complexities and realities of child labour in Africa. Secondly, it seeks to engage and empower local communities, activists, and media personnel to actively contribute to the fight against child labour. Additionally, the competition aims to showcase the best practices and innovative strategies being implemented across Africa to combat child labour. Lastly, it aims to inspire action and advocacy at both grassroots and policy levels through compelling storytelling.

The competition revolves around various themes related to child labour in Africa. These themes include exploring the realities of child labour, highlighting online and offline technological innovations in eradicating child labour, examining gender perspectives in child labour, showcasing community-led solutions, and focusing on the role of supply chain actors in combating child labour, particularly in the Cocoa, Coffee, Cotton, Tea, and Gold Mining supply chains.

Eligibility for the competition is open to journalists, filmmakers, photographers, and media professionals who are employed by African or international media outlets that focus on African topics. Additionally, students from the specified countries of Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Egypt, who are enrolled in any African university, whether within their home country or abroad, are also encouraged to participate.

Eligibility

To participate, individuals must be above 18 years old and can choose to submit their work in a maximum of two areas, including video, written media, or photo stories.

All submissions must be accompanied by the corresponding signed consent forms as provided.
To prepare for your participation in this competition, it is advised that you first complete the ITC-ILO online training: SELF-GUIDED COURSE ON REPORTING ON CHILD LABOUR FOR MEDIA (in English).

Prizes: Grand Prize:

• One (1) journalist will have the opportunity to attend and report on the ILO’s “Knowledge Sharing Forum:
• Innovative Solutions to Reduce Child Labour and Forced Labour in Africa” in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 2024. This is a chance to showcase your skills on a regional platform and raise awareness on an important issue.
• The ILO will cover all travel expenses and provide daily allowances according to organizational policies, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding experience.
• The winner will also take part in a subsequent knowledge sharing and capacity-building event (details below) to further enhance their ability to report on child labour.

Top Journalists:

• Up to 10 of the best participants, representing a mix of genders, will be invited to a dynamic knowledge sharing and capacity development event in Kampala, Uganda, in October 2024. This is a unique opportunity to learn, develop, and network with fellow professionals.
• The ILO will fully sponsor travel and daily expenses for these journalists, following organizational guidelines, to promote a focus on learning and collaboration.

Guidelines for Submission:

• Submissions via email or WeTransfer to [email protected] will be accepted.
• Only submissions with the appropriate subject format will be considered: APPLICANT NAME_PROFESSIONAL OR STUDENT_VIDEO/WRITTEN/PHOTOGRAPHY.
• The email should include:
  WeTransfer submission for video, attached writing, or attached photo stories with descriptive captions;
  consent forms;
• CV of the applicant (please specify gender)
• Written submissions, such as articles and essays, should not exceed 800 words.
• Video submissions should not exceed 7 minutes.
• Each participant may submit up to two entries.
• All submissions should center around the specified thematic areas concerning child labor in Africa. It is essential that the entries are original and recently created, ranging from June 2023 to the submission date. If the entries have been previously published, consent for re-publication and use by the ILO must be provided.
• Submissions can be in French, English, or Local Languages. However, if the submission is not in English or French, it must include a translation or subtitles in either of these languages. The translated version will be considered for evaluation. Participants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of their translations.
• The quality and presentation of the submissions are of utmost importance. The judging will be based on the appearance of the entries and how effectively they convey the highlighted themes and fulfill the competition’s objectives through the chosen medium.
• All entries must adhere to high journalistic standards, respecting the dignity and rights of individuals, especially children, depicted in the stories.

– No sensationalism
– Veracity
– Relevance
– Educational relevance
– Safeguards
– Protection

• Consider the following guidelines for the development of your submission:

Child labour: A practical guide for journalists 
GUIDELINES CHILD LABOUR 
Ethical and quality reporting on child labour 
Child Labour: A Practical Guide for Journalists – TIP SHEET 

• Submissions containing harmful, misleading, defamatory, or inappropriate content, or promoting illegal activities, will be disqualified.
• For details Visit the Official Webpage of the ILO Regional Media Competition
• Deadline: April 30th, 2024