‘SISTERSPEAK237’ ADVOCATES WITH JOURNALISM STORYTELLING COMPETITION

By Ranibelle Sato*

A Cameroon based advocacy organisation, Sisterspeak237 has launched a National Storytelling Award, to celebrate excellence in journalistic works and individual meaningful contributions. 

‘SISTERSPEAK237’ STORYTELLING COMPETITION 

The annual feature was created to reignite passion for journalism, revive commitment, encourage journalists to pursue untold stories and contribute to uplifting professional and ethical standards of journalism in Cameroon.

The 2016 edition of the story telling competition is focusing on stories that touch women issues, social inclusion and innovations in agriculture. The Award committee has so far visited some Cameroonian Universities to make the competition know.

“The stories must also bring out the plight of the poor and then keep watch over the powerful and influential. We are adding voices and deepening a democratic culture, SISTERSSPEAK237’S Chairperson, Comfort Mussa said. 

'Sisterspeak237' raises the debate on gender, looks at under-reported  stories  touching the underprivileged in Cameroon and want them told.

COMFORT MUSSA POSES WITH  VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENT JOURNALISTS

"Accessing most educational facilities in Cameroon is still a major challenge. 

 Inspiring visually impaired student journalists would have the contest in audio formats and future correspondences to them will be brailed.

One of our official sponsors, Socio Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, SEEPD, would be ensuring that students with disability take part in the competition, " Mussa added.

              TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SISTERSPEAK237 PRESTIGIOUS JOURNALISM AWARD. 

Entry into the Sisterspeak237 National Storytelling Contest 2016 is subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions.

– The competition is open to student journalists in Cameroon. People who are staff reporters at any national or international media house cannot enter the 2016 edition.

– Entrants should submit a story that highlights one of the following

1.       Women’s issues in their community

2.       Social inclusion with focus on persons with disability

3.       Innovations in agriculture

– All entries must be received by midday on the 25^th of April 2016. Any entries received after this closing date will not be accepted. Sisterspeak237 reserves the right to change the closing date where the entries are of insufficient quality. Sisterspeak237 shall not be responsible for the return of entries.

– Entries must include full name, home address, email, mobile and/ or home phone number.

SISTERSPEAK237 TEAM ON CAMPUS TOUR (NPB BAMBUI)

– Entrants must include a photocopy of their school identity or attestation from an authority from their school to prove they are currently enrolled in the school.

– Entries should not have been previously published and should be the sole original work of the entrant. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in the entrant being removed from the competition.

– Incomplete entries, entries on behalf of another person and joint entries will not be accepted. Only one entry per person can be accepted.

POTENTIAL COMPETITORS

                            PRIZES 

The awards will be in the form of a trophy, a citation, and gadgets/cash. Winning entries will be published and promoted in partner media houses. Each category will have three prizes. All first prizes must be equivalent to 50.000 FRS; second prizes 30.000 FRS and 3^rd prizes 20.000 FRS

TEAM VISITS RADIO HOUSES

– SISTERSPEAK237 PRESTIGIOUS JOURNALISM AWARD. This category is to honor a senior female journalist whose works has greatly contributed to public understanding of women’s issues, social inclusion or agriculture.

SUBMISSION FORMATS

For Print entries: Write a feature in English, of no fewer than 650 words and no more than 1000 words on their chosen topic.

For audio visual entries: Submit news items or radio features, maximum five minutes. Features should have at least 2 interviews.

For Photojournalism entries: Submit 5-10 well captioned pictures on chosen subject.

§Entries should be mailed to :  info@sisterspeak237.com  

STUDENT JOURNALISTS

        PROMOTIONAL USAGE OF ENTRIES

§  The work of short-listed or winning student journalists may be used in promotional activities by Sisterspeak237 and the contest sponsors within the context of this award. By entering this award competition, student journalists agree to such activities.

– In applying for the award, the applicant agrees to have their submitted piece possibly used in a collection of applicants’ works, and as such made public.

ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PLEASE email: info@sisterspeak237  
* Guest Reporter