Voices From the South: Storytelling for Impact Program (By CNN)
CNN Academy invites emerging journalists and storytellers from the Global South to apply for “Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact.” Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this fully funded program empowers early-career creators to craft compelling, human-centered stories that raise awareness of underreported global issues—particularly in public health and development.
Eligibility for Voices from the South
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside and work in a Global South country (Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean).
- Be an early-career journalist, content creator, or storyteller with demonstrable experience and a strong portfolio.
- Have fluency in spoken and written English.
Program Structure
Phase One: Virtual Training (July – October 1, 2025)
Participants will receive virtual instruction through the CNN Academy digital platform. Sessions will include training in narrative structure, ethical storytelling, health reporting, and strategies for crafting powerful local stories with global resonance.
Phase Two: In-Person Reporting Simulation (November 2025)
Shortlisted participants will gather in Abu Dhabi for immersive training. CNN journalists and editors will lead masterclasses, editorial sessions, and simulated reporting scenarios focused on storytelling for impact.
Final Story Submission
Each participant will be required to produce and submit a compelling final story focused on a community from their region. The deadline for story submission is January 31, 2026.
Benefits of Voices from the South
- A fully funded experience, including travel and accommodation for the Abu Dhabi session.
- Practical reporting and editorial training with CNN Academy instructors.
- The opportunity to publish your work on global platforms.
- A growing international network of socially conscious storytellers.
Participants will explore urgent issues like disease outbreaks, reproductive health, social resilience, and more, translating complexity into narrative with care and clarity.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by June 23, 2025.
Strengthening Your Application
To increase your chances of selection:
- Pitch a unique, high-impact story that challenges assumptions or brings attention to a neglected issue.
- Clearly explain how you plan to distribute or publish your story.
- Review stories that have been widely covered to ensure yours fills a knowledge gap.
Consider these 5 essential points to tick before writing your Statement of Purpose (SOP) for international opportunities
You might also benefit from advice shared by literary professionals. Read six award-winning writers’ insights on writing tips, philosophies, and dealing with rejection for valuable motivation and perspective before preparing your submission.
Final Note
For early-career storytellers across the Global South, CNN Academy’s “Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact” is a rare opportunity to grow, connect, and amplify the narratives that matter most. Applications close June 23, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to transform your storytelling into global impact.
