Call for Applications: Distance learning course on campaigning for access to information

Learn The Why, What And How Of Access To Information
Global free expression group Article 19 and the human rights organization Fahamu invite applications for a distance learning course on Campaigning for Access to Information to be held from 3 January 2006 to February 2006.

Combining the freedom of information campaigning expertise of Article 19 with the extensive distance learning experience of Fahamu, this course is meant for people and organizations from a broad spectrum of areas in Africa who have an interest in the issue of access to information. This includes but is not limited to: trade unions, residents' organisations, environmental groups, women's groups, development organisations, human rights organisations and many others.

This course looks at why access to information is important, what an access to information law should contain, and how to set about campaigning for one.

While several countries in Southern Africa have draft laws to access to information in place, South Africa is the only country in the region that has a proper access to information law. But even when a law or a draft law is in place, it is important to have the ability to critique the laws in order to make sure that they have included the best provisions possible. And then it is crucial to ensure that the law is implemented properly.

This distance course lasts for seven weeks. Six weeks are spent working through a specially designed interactive CDROM, completing exercises and discussing the issues by email with others who are doing the course. The final week is devoted to an assignment that will involve designing a campaign plan for access to information in your country. This not only entails considering campaigning strategy and tactics, but also the substantive access to information issues that you are likely to encounter in your own country. It is intended that the product of this assignment will be something that you and your organisation can use in the future to help guide your campaigning work. You will be guided throughout the course by an online course tutor.

There are 15 sponsored places available on this course. Every participant who successfully completes this course will be awarded a certificate from Article 19 and Fahamu.

Applicants should send a one page summary CV, with a letter of 500 words explaining why they should be selected for this course. Applications should be sent to [email protected]

For further information (including course dates, fees and registration forms please contact:

Hilary Isaac
EMAIL: info @ fahamu.org

* Fahamu (www.fahamu.org) is committed to serving the needs of organisations and social movements that aspire to progressive social change and that promote and protect human rights. Fahamu has extensive experience in distance learning for human rights organisations.

* Article 19 (www.article19.org/) works worldwide to combat censorship by promoting freedom of expression and access to official information.