Apply for the Fully-funded & Online CNN Academy Voices From The South Storytelling for Impact Programme 2025
Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact
A CNN Academy Program
Addressing Global Health Challenges Through Local Storytelling
In an era marked by unprecedented health crises—from epidemics and pandemics to humanitarian emergencies—there is a critical need for storytellers who can report with accuracy, urgency, and empathy. The power of journalism lies not only in conveying facts but in telling human-centered stories that inspire awareness, accountability, and action.
These stories are deeply rooted in local realities, requiring journalists who grasp the complex cultural, political, and systemic factors shaping health outcomes. This understanding is especially vital in the Global South, regions often at the epicenter of global health emergencies but underrepresented in mainstream media coverage.
The CNN Academy’s Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact program aims to nurture emerging journalists from the Global South—Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia—training them to uncover and share impactful stories. From vaccine equity in Sub-Saharan Africa to frontline resilience in conflict zones, participants will learn to tell in-depth, contextualized stories that resonate locally and globally.
Program Structure
Phase One: Virtual Training
July to October 1st, 2025
The initial phase is fully online, delivered through the CNN Academy Hub. Participants will engage in comprehensive courses designed to refine storytelling techniques and deepen knowledge of global health and humanitarian issues, with a focus on the Global South.
To progress to the next stage, participants must successfully complete all courses, earn required badges, and submit a story pitch demonstrating how they will apply their new skills.
Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation
November 2025, Abu Dhabi
Selected participants will attend hands-on workshops in Abu Dhabi. This phase emphasizes mobile journalism and storytelling methods under the guidance of CNN Academy experts. It culminates in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation—a high-pressure, real-world news environment focused on global health reporting—allowing participants to apply their skills and produce impactful stories.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Reside and work in a Global South country (developing countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia).
- Be early-career journalists, content creators, or storytellers.
- Have a portfolio demonstrating relevant work.
- Be fluent in spoken and written English with strong communication skills.
- Commit to fully participate in the program.
- Be willing and able to travel to Abu Dhabi for Phase Two (travel costs covered by CNN Academy).
How to Apply
Deadline: June 23, 2025
This opportunity targets young storytellers passionate about making a difference through journalism. The application process is as follows:
- Submit a brief application verifying eligibility, including background and motivation.
- Successful applicants gain access to Phase One virtual courses.
If invited to Phase Two, applicants must provide:
- Samples of previous work.
- Proof of origin from a Global South country.
After completing the virtual training, participants will pitch a story idea focused on a relevant global issue impacting the Global South. The pitch should demonstrate in-depth knowledge and be feasible to produce.
Final Deliverables and Opportunities
After the simulation in Abu Dhabi, participants will return home to produce their final story, due by January 31, 2026. Selected stories will be featured on CNN’s television and digital platforms, providing a rare chance to reach a global audience.
Summary
The Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact program empowers a new generation of journalists from the Global South to tell vital health and humanitarian stories with nuance and impact. Through virtual training, immersive hands-on learning, and real-world simulation, participants will enhance their skills and amplify underrepresented voices on a global stage. This initiative seeks storytellers ready to drive change and spotlight urgent issues through compelling journalism.
Apply Now to Join the Next Wave of Impactful Storytellers
Deadline: June 23, 2025
