Aspiring journalists may now apply for a journalism internship scheme sponsored by the Strickland Foundation, which will run in partnership with Maltese media firms.
Strickland Foundation CEO Victor Aquilina said the scheme aimed to promote the advancement of journalism and expand further public interest, through journalism, on the subjects of voluntary organisations and human rights.
Organisations involved in the production of national newspapers, magazines, specialised publications, news programmes for television or radio and news electronic sites are eligible to take part.
The foundation will spend €300,000 to finance internships over three years.
In the first phase, it will sponsor six interns for a year, providing €15,000 for each candidate. It will also finance external training from abroad if required.
“The scheme is especially tailored for people who are interested in taking up a career in journalism,” Mr Aquilina said.
First preference will be given, but not restricted, to graduates. Candidates having the appropriate potential will also be considered.
“General knowledge is an imperative component,” he added.
Prospective candidates will be able to choose their preferred media company. That company will be responsible for training the interns and assigning them a mentor to provide supervision and guidance.
The media organisation will also provide the opportunity for interns to produce work focused on the scheme’s twin aims – human rights and voluntary organisations.
Few people are acquainted with the concept of enrolled voluntary organisations, foundation council member Max Ganado said.
“Enrolment requires fulfilling a number of requirements, including the submission of annual accounts. For instance, when organisations go on public collection rounds, do we ask for proof of enrolment?”
Dr Ganado also said the issue of human rights can be controversial since it is an instance when, barring limited cases, private interest prevails over public interest.
“Who is bound to respect human rights? It is the State which must do so, as the entity responsible for their implementation.”
He said the Strickland Foundation internship scheme can help bring these subjects to the forefront.
Mabel Strickland set up the foundation in 1979 and on her death it became the beneficiary of the majority shareholding in Allied Newspapers Ltd, publisher of The Times and The Sunday Times.
Applications are to be addressed to Mr Aquilina and sent to admin@thestricklandfoundation.com or The Strickland Foundation, Villa Parisio, Mabel Strickland Street, Lija, by December 7.