CNN Academy – Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact 2025
Empowering emerging journalists and storytellers from the Global South to craft human-centered stories that inspire action on global issues.
🔍 Quick Snapshot
- Provider: CNN Academy (Supported by the Gates Foundation)
- Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Media Training Program
- Deadline: June 23, 2025
- Program Duration: 7 months (July 2025 – January 2026)
- Start Date: July 2025
- Target Audience: Early-career journalists, content creators, and storytellers
- Location of In-Person Simulation: Abu Dhabi, UAE (November 2025)
🌍 About the Program
The CNN Academy – Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact 2025 is designed to empower journalists and storytellers from the Global South to produce impactful stories. The program combines virtual training modules with an immersive, hands-on simulation in Abu Dhabi. Participants will learn advanced storytelling techniques with a focus on global health and humanitarian issues.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Reside and work in a country located in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean)
- Identify as an early-career journalist, content creator, or storyteller
- Possess a portfolio of relevant work
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Committed to full participation in the program
- Willing and able to travel to Abu Dhabi in November 2025
🎁 Program Benefits
- Fully funded travel and accommodation for the in-person training in Abu Dhabi
- Access to online training modules
- Expert-led workshops and simulations
- Mentorship from CNN journalists and trainers
- Opportunity to have final stories showcased on CNN’s platforms
- Networking with peers and professionals from the Global South
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the application link: https://academy.cnn.com/voices-from-the-south-storytelling-for-impact/
- Complete the application form, providing details about your background and motivation
- Submit a portfolio of relevant work
- If shortlisted, participate in virtual training modules (July – October 2025)
- Submit a story pitch addressing a relevant global issue
- Attend the in-person training and simulation in Abu Dhabi (November 2025)
- Produce and submit the final story by January 31, 2026
📅 Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: June 23, 2025
- Virtual Training (Phase One): July – October 2025
- In-Person Training (Phase Two): November 2025
- Final Story Submission: January 31, 2026
🚀 Ready to Make an Impact?
Apply now for the CNN Academy – Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact 2025 and enhance your storytelling skills.
Apply NowQuestions? Visit the program page for more information.
Curated by CNN Academy – amplifying voices from the Global South through impactful storytelling.
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