Created by Thérèse Murphy, the chairperson of our European Master’s, the scheme gives graduates a unique opportunity to enhance their research and advocacy abilities.
Every year, eight graduates—one from each of our regional Master’s—are selected as correspondents. With training from Rosie Cowan, a former Guardian journalist who is now an academic at Queen’s University Belfast, one of our partner universities, these correspondents design, deliver, edit and publish blog posts on topics that are important in their world regions.
We spoke with Thérèse, Rosie and our Regional Correspondents about the value of the scheme.
The opportunity to learn from a seasoned journalist and contribute to the Human Rights Preparedness blog was incredibly appealing… it offered a unique platform to combine my work in promoting human rights for all and my desire to write.
Visala Annamalai, GC Asia-Pacific alumna
Why we built the competitive Regional Correspondents’ Scheme, and Why our Alumni Apply to It
The scheme’s founder, Thérèse Murphy, asked a simple question: how do we harness and grow the talent of Global Campus graduates? Identifying the Global Campus’ blog, Human Rights Preparedness, as a potential tool, Thérèse designed a paid training scheme that would allow alumni to design and publish blogposts under the expert guidance of a mentor.
Finding the right mentor was key. Thérèse reached out to Rosie Cowan, an expert in both academic writing and journalism, having spent 10 years with the Guardian newspaper. Rosie grasped the value of the scheme straightaway and signed on as mentor.
Mentoring Global Campus alumni on our regional correspondents’ blog-writing scheme is a tremendously rewarding experience. I am learning a great deal about a diverse range of fascinating topics whilst helping talented and committed alumni use their knowledge and skills to highlight key issues as they champion human rights around the world.
Dr Rosie Cowan
Alumni saw the scheme’s value too. For many, it offered a chance to keep up their involvement in human rights advocacy and research. Some saw it as a means of elevating marginalised voices. Others saw it as a springboard for their academic and professional development, enhancing their CVs for journalism, policy work and applications for further study.
What Benefits Has the Scheme Brought to our Alumni?
Looking back over multiple rounds of the scheme, every participant highlights the ways in which their critical thinking improved, as well as their analytical and writing skills. They give credit to their mentor, Dr. Rosie Cowan.
Writing about complex human rights issues helped me refine how I express ideas clearly and persuasively […] and translate human rights issues into accessible, action-driven narratives.
Ana Funa, GC South East Europe alumna
The global exposure and opportunity for networking was another benefit.
As a journalist, I was seduced by the possibility of engaging in a fruitful dialogue with peers from different regions of the world and, at the same time, reaching audiences that are unlikely to read my work in national media.
Ezequiel Fernandez, GC Latin America alumnus
The opportunity to investigate underreported subjects and add to the global conversation on important subjects including digital rights, forced migration and the rule of law was also welcome.
I was able to deeply explore topics in my region that had limited available information.
Salome Abulazde, GC Caucasus alumna
Several former Regional Correspondents continue to write on human rights issues for academic journals, NGOs and media platforms in different regions and languages. Others have used the opportunity to further their careers by using their improved writing abilities in impact-driven publications. All appreciate having contributed to a platform that has increased their visibility and reputation as someone committed to researching and advocating for human rights, opening doors for further opportunities.
The experience significantly strengthened my strategic advocacy work, especially in drafting policy briefs, op-eds and reports for international human rights bodies. Additionally, it has contributed to my visibility as a scholar and advocate, leading to collaborations with civil society organisations, academia and human rights institutions.
Lakshita Kanhiya, GC Africa alumna
Are you an alumnus/a of the Global Campus and do you have a strong interest in human rights narratives? Get in touch with your regional programme to inquire about the next deadline!
The Alumni Regional Correspondent Scheme is managed by Dr. Chiara Altafin, our Research Manager.
Learn more about the current Alumni Regional Correspondents.