Applications for 2015-2016 Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellowship at Massey College now open

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Scotiabank, together with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and Massey College at the University of Toronto, look forward to welcoming another Latin American journalist to take part in the eight-month Journalism Fellowship for 2015-2016.

In its fifth year, this program creates an opportunity for a mid-career journalist from South America, Central America, the Caribbean or Mexico to participate in a two-semester fellowship hosted by Massey College at the University of Toronto. Previous fellows have been from El Salvador, Mexico, Venezuela and Uruguay.

"As Canada's most international bank, we have built deep connections with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean and have the opportunity to work with the journalists who contribute to creating a brighter future for their societies, sometimes with great sacrifice," said Pat Krajewski, Scotiabank's Senior Vice President of Public and Corporate Affairs. "We're proud to partner with CJFE and Massey College to provide one journalist each year with an important opportunity to develop their craft and build connections with current and future journalists."

"Latin America and the Caribbean are a vital part of our neighbourhood, and an important strategic and economic partner," said Hugh Segal, Master of Massey College. "This fellowship and Scotiabank's generous support, in collaboration with CJFE, facilitates an awareness and engagement that would not otherwise be possible. We are honoured to be part of this important collaboration."

"This fellowship represents not only an important partnership but also a fruitful intersection of CJFE's Canadian and international programming," said Tom Henheffer, Executive Director of CJFE. "It's a valuable opportunity to glean a greater understanding of the conditions and challenges facing journalists on the ground in Latin America and the Caribbean, while allowing them to expand their knowledge base. We look forward to welcoming the 2015-2016 Fellow to Toronto in September."

Run in tandem with the Canadian Journalism Fellowships, the Scotiabank/CJFE Journalism Fellow has an opportunity to broaden his or her horizons by spending eight months in residence at Massey College and auditing courses at the University of Toronto. The fellowship also provides an opportunity to forge new connections with Canadian media, expand on work related to a significant issue, and apply this experience upon return to the fellow's home country. The deadline for applications for the 2015-2016 Fellowship is Friday, February 20, 2015.

For more information on the program, past winners and to download the application form visit:  http://www.cjfe.org/programs/journalism-fellowship

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is a Canadian organization founded in 1981 that monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society. CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. 
cjfe.org

Massey College is the only independent residential college solely for graduate students in the University of Toronto. Its architect-designed facilities provide a community for distinguished senior scholars, for elected graduates who are called Junior Fellows and some eminent members of the non-academic world. Since its inception in 1963, the College has also hosted the Journalism Fellowship Program (initially named the Southam Journalism Fellowships) whereby several mid-career journalists are annually offered Fellowships allowing them to take a leave of absence from their work to audit courses of any subject at University of Toronto and to generally broaden their horizons.
www.masseycollege.ca/

Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

For further information: Please contact: Alexandra Zakreski, CJFE International Programs Coordinator, 416-515-9622 x 262, [e-mail]