Dubai: Journalists living in the UAE will have the opportunity to be granted a first-of-its kind fellowship to a mental health programme launched in the Middle East.
Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, has partnered with The Carter Centre in the US, to develop and implement UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF).
The programme, established in 1996, awards one-year fellowships to journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world. Since its launch, 165 journalists have been granted the fellowship.
“Reporting by Rosalynn Carter fellows has contributed to more awareness and coverage of mental health issues and more balanced and accurate reporting in the participating countries,” said Jason Carter, chairman of the Board of Trustees at The Carter Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving lives of people.
The programme is currently in the US and Colombia and was previously in New Zealand, South Africa, and Romania. It is the first time that the programme will be offered in the UAE and the Middle East.
Dr Raja Eisa Al Gurg, member of the Board of Trustees and chairperson of the Board of Directors, Al Jalila Foundation, said journalists have immense power to inform, educate and influence society.
“Their support is essential to raise awareness and create a dialogue about mental health in the region. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with mental illnesses are not marginalised and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives.”
The Carter Centre will provide training, educational materials, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical assistance to develop a sustainable and tailored programme in the UAE, it was announced on Tuesday.
Al Jalila Foundation will manage the programme and will be responsible for the selection of journalists, facilitating media training, adapting the programme to meet the needs of the Emirates, and local evaluations.
Since the RCJF were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1,500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.
For more information on the UAE RCJF programme contact info@aljalilafoundation.ae.
