The Isu Elihle Awards, a pioneering African initiative, seeks to redefine the landscape of journalism by focusing on the narratives of the youngest members of our society. Translating to “great idea” in isiZulu, Isu Elihle encourages journalists across Africa to pitch unique and compelling story ideas that not only spotlight children’s voices but also ensure accountability from those in positions of authority. This competition is more than just an award; it’s a call to action for journalists to innovate and consider children’s perspectives in their reporting.
Aimed at nurturing talent and promoting excellence in journalism, the Isu Elihle Awards offer journalists a chance to receive mentorship, access to resources, and financial backing. This support enables them to bring their child-focused stories to life on mainstream news platforms. By challenging journalists to see the world through children’s eyes, the initiative hopes to inspire a shift in media coverage, making it more inclusive of children’s views and concerns. From the conception of a story idea to its publication, participants experience significant growth in storytelling, enhancing the quality of journalism on children’s issues.
The Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) Isu Elihle Awards are not only about celebrating innovative journalism; they also provide substantial benefits to the winners. With a total prize pool of ZAR 50,000, the competition awards ZAR 25,000 to the overall winner, ZAR 15,000 to the second place, and ZAR 10,000 to the third place. Open to professional journalists and freelancers across Africa, the competition requires no entry fee. Entries can be aimed at any mainstream news medium, including TV, radio, or online platforms. The application deadline is set for May 30, 2024. To participate, journalists are encouraged to apply and share their visionary ideas for a chance to make a significant impact in the field of child-centric journalism.
