BBC Arabic launches AimHigh: Its first ever trainee scheme in the region for journalists with disabilities

This unique development initiative will give six selected candidates access to training and support across a period of six months.

Representation for people with disabilities in the media industry is known to be low and this scheme will give successful candidates the chance to learn new skills and be mentored by Editors from BBC Arabic. There are no reliable figures for the number of Arabic speaking journalists with disabilities, but it is evident that many young and talented people face enormous challenges in trying to break into journalism. This scheme can offer a vital first step towards a media career.

Sam Farah, Head of BBC Arabic, says: “We want anyone with a disability, be that hidden or visible, to consider applying to be part of this exciting new opportunity. In BBC Arabic, we aim to deliver the world’s most distinctive, trustworthy and challenging journalism in Arabic. We recognise that this standard in journalism can be delivered by excellent journalists regardless of their disability, and we want to offer some of them the support and training that they need to advance their careers.”

Rasha Kashan, BBC Arabic’s Editor of Diversity and Special Projects, says: “This is a once in a lifetime chance for both existing and new talent in the media to gain top class skills in multiplatform journalism. It can seem an impossible ambition to achieve for people starting out, but this scheme is our attempt at giving a voice to those whose journalism is essential for all audiences to be represented. We have done our best to ensure that the application process is easy and accessible and that the selection process is fair and open to everyone.”

AFG