The Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) invites mid-career journalists to apply for a two-part training program in March and April, 2009 that aims to enhance the quality of reporting on South African Development Community (SADC) matters in regional media.

The course, which is aimed at mid-career journalists from newspapers, news agencies and online media in the SADC region, is called "Reporting Regional Integration: History, Politics and Economics of SADC." It is co-sponsored by the International Institute for Journalism (IIJ), InWEnt, Berlin.

The program will be in two parts: Part one will take place March 23 to March 27, and part two, March 30 to April 3.

Up to 15 participants will be admitted: not more than three per country. The course will be conducted in English at the IAJ Parktown Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa. Bursaries are available to cover travel, tuition, accommodation and meals.

Applicants should send: a motivation letter, explaining what the applicant hopes to get out of the programme and how he/she will apply the skills learned; a detailed CV with clear contact details; and a letter of support from the applicant's manager with clear contact details. Materials should be sent to leela@iaj.org.za by January 7.

For more information, go to www.iaj.org.za.