The Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University, in collaboration with the Communication and Journalism Educators’ Network (CJEN) Bangladesh, has launched an open call inviting journalism, media, and communication schools across Bangladesh to participate in the AGILE Project — an EU-funded global initiative designed to strengthen journalism education worldwide.
Under the AGILE framework, Fojo Media Institute will support journalism education in 13 countries, including Bangladesh, to co-design, adapt, and implement an extracurricular course titled Managing Stress and Trauma in Journalism. This initiative responds to the growing need to prepare journalism students to handle the emotional and psychological challenges that come with reporting on crises, disasters, and human rights issues.
“Journalists in Bangladesh face a range of stressors — from covering disasters and conflicts to dealing with online harassment. Yet mental health and emotional resilience are rarely addressed in journalism education. This course aims to fill that gap by providing practical tools and approaches for responsible, trauma-informed reporting,” said Dr. Jude William Genilo, Chair of CJEN Bangladesh and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).
About the Course
The pilot course will run during 2026–2027 and will consist of six two-hour sessions, delivered either as an extracurricular module or integrated into existing coursework. The program will combine academic instruction, industry insights, and practical exercises, co-developed with Fojo and other journalism educators.
Participating universities will receive:
• A grant of €2,500 per year (for two years, total €5,000) to support course implementation.
• Facilitation guidance and a draft course structure.
• Access to a digital teaching toolbox and expert guest lecturers.
• Capacity-building opportunities with other Bangladeshi universities.
• Participation in international learning events to refine and expand the course.
Eligibility and Application
Accredited Bangladeshi universities with journalism, media, or communication programs are encouraged to apply if they demonstrate:
• A commitment to gender-inclusive journalism education,
• Experience in curriculum development, and
• The capacity to manage small international grants and reporting.
Applications must be submitted by 15 December 2025.
Each application should include the institution’s motivation, expected contributions and benefits, relevant capacity, the CV of the faculty applicant, and an endorsement from the department head or higher authority. Around seven to eight universities will be selected for participation.
To request for the application form, please contact:
Dr. Jude William Genilo
Chair, CJEN Executive Committee
Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
📧 jude.genilo@ulab.edu.bd
