Rappler, AidData launch data journalism training for Filipino journalists, students

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler and AidData, an international development research lab at William & Mary‘s Global Research Institute, are now accepting applications for its hybrid training program on data journalism in the context of development finance (including foreign aid) and lending.

Specifically, it will focus on China’s increasing role in foreign aid and lending to the Philippines and how Filipino journalists can navigate the changing landscape.

Aside from sharing with participants the necessary data tools and skills needed to effectively cover development finance foreign aid, the program aims to train participants how to:

• Describe, explain, and critique the economics of foreign-funded development financeaid and lending to the Philippines, including how to access, analyze, and compare, for example, loan contracts and grant agreements for major infrastructure projects.
• Identify, discuss, and critique short- and long-term impacts of foreign-funded projects on the environment, the economy, and the ability of the Philippine Government and its citizens to repay debts owed to foreign financiers.
• Investigate and write high-quality, in-depth, evidence- and data-based stories or reports that can catalyze further public debate, policymaker engagement, and scrutiny. 
• Distinguish between fact and fiction, in terms of the narratives foreign funders may deploy.

What does the program entail? 

The data journalism training includes the following components:

• 3-week data journalism program.  From October 16, 2024 to November 8, 2024, participants will undergo a series of online and in-person training sessions.

• Online training sessions. Selected participants will undergo a two-week asynchronous session in October 2024. It is expected it will take a total of 16 hours to complete the online modules, over the course of the two weeks. AidData’s online modules will cover:
  • Data foundations: Basic and advanced statistical concepts; Development finance data types; and Structures sourcing and evaluating development finance (aid and lending) data
  • Data journalism: Data journalism in contemporary reporting; Data journalism as a narrative tool; Essential data journalism tools and platform; Data journalism project workflow 
  • Data analysis and visualization: Data analysis fundamentals and techniques; Tools and software; Interpretation of analyzed data and editorial judgment for visualization
  • Development finance models and credit provision: Contemporary development finance models, and strategies; China’s role in the global development finance landscape; Belt and road initiative (BRI) and its implications; Comparative analysis of effectiveness

• Access to tools and mentorship opportunities. Aside from gaining access to online modules, participants will learn how to navigate AidData’s Global China Development Finance dataset (3.0), the most comprehensive in the world, and mentorship opportunities with Rappler’s leading data journalists.
• On-site training. Complementing the asynchronous online sessions is a five-day on-site training at the Rappler newsroom from November 4 to 8, 2024. Selected participants will be given the opportunity to apply their learnings through roundtable discussions, collaborative projects, grant writing, and planning for an investigative story. Supplementary lectures will be given by experts from Rappler, AidData, and the Philippine finance sector.

By the end of the training, participants are expected to propose a long form data-driven story plan (in-depth or investigative) covering development finance in the Philippines. They may choose to focus on an individual overseas-funded project, overseas lending to the Philippines on a national or regional level, or drill down on a particular sector (infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, public transport, etc.).

Participants who successfully complete all components of the training, including submission of a story plan, will receive a digital Data Journalism credential badge from the College of William & Mary.

Who can apply? How many will be selected? 

The training program is open to Filipino journalists and journalism students based in the Greater Manila Area with a background in economics, finance, international relations, business, communication, and other related fields. Knowledge and familiarity with, if not interest in, development finance, overseas lending/borrowing, and foreign aid will be pluses.

A total of ten (10) individuals will be chosen to participate in the program.

Applicants are also expected to:

• Be currently employed as a full-time, part-time, or freelance journalist in print, television, radio, or online media organization in the Philippines.
• Have a very good command of the English language.
• Have some familiarity with spreadsheets.
• For journalists, have at least 3 years of work experience. Covering business or finance is a plus. 
• For students, be currently enrolled in a journalism course or any related field such as economics, international relations, business, and finance.

Application requirements

Applicants must accomplish this application form and submit the following:

• Résumé
• Two sample works (published) 
• A 100-word pitch for an investigative data story on foreign aid
• Endorsement letter from a media organization, or, for students, from an academic supervisor

All letters should be addressed to Chay F. Hofileña, Rappler Investigative Editor and Training Head.

Fees covered

Local transportation costs, food, and accommodations for five days will be covered by the organizers. Accepted participants are advised to bring a laptop which will be used throughout the training program.

What is the application process like?

Interested applicants must complete and submit this application form by Monday, September 30 at 5:00 pm (GMT+8). Responses generated by AI will be automatically disqualified. 

For any questions or concerns, and to submit applications, email us at fellowships@rappler.com. – Rappler.com