Go-to list for HEFAT, by CFWIJ
Are you a journalist working (or planning to work) in a hostile environment? Here are all the hostile environment and first aid training courses you can avail in 2020
January 7, 2020 — Fetching news stories from the world’s most conflict-ridden or war-torn areas is not an easy feat. It takes blood, sweat and a whole lot of courage for journalists to go out there to do the job flawlessly. War and conflict reporting comes with immense danger. It requires a journalist to be prepared for possible hazards in the midst of their professional duties and deal with hostile environment and medical emergencies, if need be.
Training courses to keep journalists both physically and mentally prepared, as well as vigilant are crucial in a world where complexities continue to grow rather than lessen. The world is becoming increasingly dangerous for journalists, and women journalists, in particular, are much more vulnerable as compared to their male counterparts.
To help women journalists, especially those working in precarious conditions around the world, stay wary when working on the ground, The Coalition For Women In Journalism has scoured for all the safety and first aid training courses taking place in different parts of the world this year.
Courses for journalists worldwide
Blue Mountain is offering their ‘4 Day Intensive High Risk HEFAT Course’ in multiple windows from January to June this year in the UK. Register your interest and get your space secured here.
Held in Germany on a regular basis, the Objective Travel Safety’s Premium Hostile Environment Safety Course in conjunction with European Broadcasting Union will prep you well. Find out all about the dates of their five-day HEST courses and refreshers here.
Based in the UK, the RPS Partnership is offering seven Hostile Environment Training Courses this year. They are also conducting the training twice in Niger in February. Find details here and here.
Journalists actively working in conflict zones and based anywhere in the world can apply to receive training by RISC, a non-profit organization dedicated to train freelance conflict journalists in battlefield first aid. Their 6-day safety course is currently open for applications.
For journalists operating in high-risk areas, Global Journalist Security have their three-day courses lined up in Washington DC this year. One course will also take place in Nairobi, Kenya towards the end of January.
Open Briefing also conducts HEAT and HEFAT training time and again. Contact them here to book a course or find if they are scheduling courses this year. They are based in the UK.
HET in Hampshire offers HETT, HETC, HEAT and HEFAT courses. To book the one that matches your job requirement the most, check their website.
AKE International is offering HET training courses in January and February, based in the UK. For available dates and registration details, find all the relevant information here.
Journalists all over the world can apply for the ACOS Alliance Standard Safety Training by filling their form available online. HASP also offers a variety of training courses for journalists. To avail the course contact them here.
Operating in the UK, Lazarus Training provides skills and knowledge to guide media workers survive in hostile settings. You can call and book your course by calling on the number provided on their website. Details about their Hostile Environment Training can be found here.
Courses for journalists in the U.S.
In the lead-up to the presidential elections in the U.S., the International Women’s Media Foundation is offering a series of security training, specifically for women journalists. The IWMF HEFAT course will take place from April 9 to 12 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The deadline to apply for the course end on February 16. The training is only open for journalists based in the U.S.. Finds details here.
Courses for journalists in Afghanistan, UK and Kenya
1st Option: The Safety Group’s training and refresher courses are not just for those working in the field, but also those working in production. Click here for details. While you’re taking a good look at this, also visit Separ International’s website to avail their HEAT course in Afghanistan, UK, and Kenya in January and February.
Here is your chance to equip yourself with training by the best trainers and instructors for hostile environment, and get out there to fetch all your stories. Good luck!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ.
Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org
