By 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 Who Should Apply? 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 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. Join OurHealth citizen/community journalism programme 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! Types of stories we cover 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.
