AidData and renowned Philippines independent media outlet Rappler are teaming up to offer 10 Filipino journalists and journalism students the opportunity to take part in a three-week data journalism training later this fall.
Apply with Rappler by October 5
The program will be delivered online and in-person in Manila in October and November. It will focus on the nexus of data journalism and development finance, including understanding official China’s increasing role in foreign aid and lending to the Philippines, and how Filipino journalists can navigate this changing landscape. AidData and Rappler will mentor participants to investigate and write or broadcast high-quality, in-depth, evidence- and data-based stories. Topics will include data analysis, data visualizations, principles and techniques of data journalism, storyboarding, understanding the development finance landscape.
To apply by October 5, students should visit: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/rappler-aiddata-launch-data-journalism-training-filipino-journalists-students/
“AidData has conducted individual trainings on an array of topics and research methods in the past, but this collaboration with Rappler is really an opportunity to roll out the first offering in a comprehensive training program that we’ll be ramping up in the coming months,” said Sethu Nguna, AidData Training and Instructional Design Manager, who oversees the new AidData Training Initiative.
AidData’s training is in response to the heightened visibility of development finance in policy and news cycles. As developing countries seek new infrastructure funding in order to improve the lives of citizens, they enter into financial relationships with foreign lenders that often involve enormous amounts of money that come with complicated terms and conditions, and with implications that potentially impact society for decades.
"We’re excited to collaborate with AidData on this important project that will up skill journalists covering economic issues on data analysis,” said Gemma B. Mendoza, Rappler's Head of Digital Services and Lead Researcher on Disinformation and Platforms.
“As journalists, we can serve our audiences better if we have the capacity to draw meaning from the vast quantities of data now available online, and independently verify claims arising from incorrect interpretation of data."
Aside from sharing with participants the necessary data tools and skills needed to effectively cover this issue, the program aims to train participants on:
- how to describe, explain, and critique the economics of foreign-funded foreign aid and lending to the Philippines, including how to access, analyze, and compare, for example, loan contracts and grant agreements for major infrastructure projects;
- identifying, discussing, and critiquing short-and long-term impacts of foreign-funded projects on the environment, the economy, and the ability of the Philippine Government and its citizens to repay debts owed to foreign financiers;
- distinguishing between fact and fiction, in terms of the narratives foreign funders may deploy.
Worldwide the development finance landscape has become more crowded, with more players involved. AidData aims to shed transparency with data and evidence, to separate fact from fiction and enable others to do so as well, including through looking at the impacts of aid and lending on national economies, local communities, the environment and other aspects of people’s lives. The media plays a key role in this, through quality, informed journalism that catalyzes public debate and scrutiny, policymaker engagement and, ultimately, change.
