Paguyuban Pekerja UI berdemo di Kemendiknas

Jakarta - Rektor UI Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri sungguh dikepung unjuk rasa hari ini. Para mahasiswanya berdemo di Rektorat Kampus UI Depok. Sementara, sekitar 200 pegawai UI berunjuk rasa ke kantor Kemendiknas.

Sekitar 200 pegawai UI dari Paguyuban Pekerja UI datang dengan 3 bus besar ke kantor Kemendiknas, Jl Jenderal Sudirman, Jakarta, Rabu (28/9/2011), pukul 10.30 WIB. Mereka memakai baju batik dan pin bertuliskan 'Pekerja UI Menggugat'.

Begitu massa yang terdiri dari para dosen dan karyawan UI ini datang, satpam langsung menutup gerbang Kemendiknas. Massa lantas berorasi di trotoar dan dipimpin orator dari mobil sound system.

"Alihkan status menjadi PNS seluruhnya. Jadikan UI kampus yang mendidik anak-anaknya menjadi penerus bangsa," pekik orator.

Para pekerja UI menuntut kejelasan status kepegawaian mereka yang digantung bertahun-tahun oleh Rektorat. Mereka bukan PNS, tapi juga bukan pegawai BHMN. Akibatnya, standar kesejahteraan pun terabaikan.

"Pekerja UI menggugat!" demikian massa meneriakkan yel-yel.

Seorang dosen muda yang enggan disebutkan namanya menceritakan nasib para koleganya. Status kepegawaian yang tidak menjelas membuat para dosen tak ubahnya guru bimbel belaka.

"Dosen yang nggak jelas statusnya ini jadi kayak guru bimbel. Dibayar sesuai SKS, padahal nggak semua dosen bisa dapat SKS banyak," ujarnya.

Pukul 11.15 WIB, 10 perwakilan pekerja UI dari berbagai fakultas, masuk untuk menemui Dirjen Dikti Djoko Santoso. Pekerja UI ini dipimpin Ketua Presidium Paguyuban Pekerja UI Andri Wibisana. Sementara massa yang lain melanjutkan aksi di depan Kemendiknas.

Aksi para pekerja UI ini membuat lalu lintas di Jl Jenderal Sudirman dari Bundaran Senayan arah ke Semanggi tersendat. Bus yang membawa massa diparkir di jalur lambat, dan para pengguna jalan pun banyak yang melambatkan kendaraan untuk melihat aksi.

Hingga pukul 11.30 WIB, aksi masih terus berlangsung. Sebelumnya, sekitar 500 mahasiswa UI juga menggelar demo pararel di depan Rektorat Kampus UI Depok.

Tuntutan para mahasiswa ini berbeda, yaitu meminta transparansi uang kuliah dan proses masuk UI yang adil. Namun, mahasiswa dan para pekerja UI sama-sama menuntut pertanggungjawaban Rektor Gumilar.

(fay/vit) 

Sumber : detik.com

Destination for TRIP : VIETNAM

It's easy to see why Vietnam is a country on the rise - there's no time for rest ... the world is there and the local residents are trying to scratch a dollar off it. After hundreds of years of war, reinvention and persistence are prevailing and the Vietnamese are thriving. What a fascinating country to visit in these times! Vietnam has a bit of everything - fresh and fragrant food, bustling and rambunctious marketplaces, beautiful mountains and beaches and stunning French-Colonial architecture. Such is the natural diversity along it's 2000km coastline, there's never a bad time to go.

Ekspedisi Cincin Api

KOMPAS IMAGES/FIKRIA HIDAYAT

Gunung Rinjani (3.726 meter) dengan kaldera dan Danau Segara Anak di Lombok, nusa Tenggara Barat.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Setelah menuntaskan ekspedisi di Gunung Tambora, Toba-Sinabung-Sibayak, dan Gunung Anak Krakatau, tim akan melanjutkan perjalanan menuju Gunung Rinjani di Pulau Lombok dan Gunung Agung serta Gunung Batur di Bali, 23 September hingga 9 Oktober.

Di kedua gunung tersebut, tim ekspedisi berangkat dari kajian mendasar antara spiritualitas dan rasionalitas. Berupaya mencari "folklore" lokal terkait dengan gunung berapi. Di Lombok dan Bali, gunung menjadi pusat orientasi budaya dan agama.

Di Lombok tim akan mendaki ke puncak Gunung Rinjani yang memiliki ketinggian 3.726 meter. Pada masa purba, gunung ini memiliki ketinggian sekitar 5.000 meter namun akibat letusan hebat, terbentuk kaldera lalu terisi air sehingga dinamakan Danau Segara Anak yang memiliki kedalaman 230 meter.

Gunung ini memiliki catatan sejarah letusan sejak 1847 hingga sekarang. Aktivitas vulkanik yang terjadi memunculkan kerucut baru di sisi timur kaldera yang dinamakan Gunung Baru Jari dengan ketinggian 2.376 meter.

Tim ekspedisi tidak hanya akan mengeksplorasi gunung terindah ini, tentunya, tradisi masyarakat di kawasan pegunungan juga wajib direkam.

Usai mendaki Gunung Rinjani, tim bertolak menuju Gunung Agung di Bali. Gunung Agung juga memiliki sejarah letusan yang dahsyat. Terakhir gunung ini meletus 1963 dengan kronologi letusan berlangsung selama satu tahun. Ketika itu, letusan Gunung Agung menewaskan 1.148 orang yang sebagian besar tewas karena terjangan awan panas.

Kemudian tim bergeser ke Gunung Batur di Kecamatan Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli. Gunung berapi aktif ini memiliki jejak letusan purba hingga sekarang terbentuk kaldera. Tim tidak sekadar berpetualang menapak ketinggian, tapi juga meliput ragam tradisi serta mengangkat sejarah dan kosmologi gunung berapi.

"Di Bali, tim ekspedisi juga akan mengangkat persoalan mitigasi bencana, karena sejarah letusan yang banyak memakan korban jiwa," ujar Ahmad Arif, ketua tim ekspedisi.

Pendakian  ini adalah salah satu dari sekian rute perjalanan " Ekspedisi Cincin Api" yang akan dilaksanakan oleh Team Ekspedisi. 

Destination: Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed. From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.

Trekking.....Nepal

Nepal - So Much More Than Mountaineering and Trekking

NEPAL | TUESDAY, 3 MAY 2011 | VIEWS [1329]

As home to Mt. Everest, Nepal attracts thousands of adventure travelers each year who attempt to summit the highest peak on the planet or complete the famous 7-14 day Himalayan trek known as the Annapurna Circuit. In light of these activities tourists often assume that mountaineering and trekking are the only activities Nepal has to offer but they are woefully wrong. 

I first visited Nepal in the fall of 2010 as a fifty-eight year old solo female traveler. An intrepid walker and hiker, my original intent was to complete the Annapurna Circuit but a knee injury from earlier in the year had failed to heal properly, making it difficult to negotiate trails with steep steps or uneven surfaces and forcing me to look elsewhere for adventure. I had no trouble finding it in Nepal.

After a few days of visiting the ancient historic sites of Kathmandu I needed a break form the city's polluted air, ubiquitous trash, and traffic-choked streets. My guide suggested a trip to the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, where we could make a moderately easy trek to the hilltop town of Nagarkot. Where the pavement ended we left the taxi and followed a dirt road through a peaceful valley where burnished gold rice fields shimmered under crisp autumn skies. Four hours later the path rose gently toward distant forested hills, becoming moderately steep only during the final ascent. Breathing heavily, I passed the scant collection of village huts that made up Nagarkot and pressed on to the top where a panorama of white-toothed Himalayas spread before me, floating over the opposite valley like a desert mirage in the afternoon heat. 

The next morning I sipped coffee on the deck of my guest house and watched the hulking gray Himalayas emerge in the dawn light, changing from pink to gold to brilliant ice-capped blue. As the sun rose over the valley we left Nagarkot behind and descended through fragrant pine forests toward Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu valley. That afternoon I stepped across the threshold of this temple devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu. Built in the third century, Changu Narayan is embellished with exquisite stone, wood, and metal decor, including carvings on the struts of the two-tiered temple that represent the ten incarnations in which Vishnu destroyed evil-doers. Enormous bronze doors that glitter in the sun, a statue of Vishnu disemboweling a demon, and bells decorated with dragons are just a few of the stunning works of art that decorate this third century temple. And when I'd had my fill, an easy bus ride took me back into the heart of Kathmandu.

Destinations outside the Kathmandu Valley are no less intriguing. In the southern Terai, the hot, dry plains that border India, I visited Chitwan National Park, home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, as well as elephant, tiger and sloth bear. I climbed gingerly into a tippy hand-hewn dugout canoe for a paddle down a mist-shrouded river, where exotic birds called and invisible animals rustled in the tall grasses along the shore. When the boat bumped against the shore I stepped out and added my footprint next to the tiger paw print sunk into the mud at the water. I followed my guide through waist high jungle vegetation and leech-ridden swamps in search of the endangered black rhino. We finally found them wallowing up to their chins in a shallow muddy waterhole and stepped up to take photos but we must have been upwind. Though rhinos have notoriously poor eyesight their sense of smell is excellent and only a three of our had snapped photos when the head rhino stood up, flapped its ears and made ready to charge. "Run" ordered our guide. He didn't have to tell me twice.

Further west in the Terai lies the town of Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha and one of the four major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. The birthplace is marked by a stone pillar inscribed with the words 'here Sakyamuni Buddha was born' which was erected by  Emperor Asoka upon his visit in 249 BC. Equally impressed when he visited in the 1990's, then United Nations Secretary General U Thant suggested to the Nepal government that the site be developed as an international pilgrimage and tourist center. The Sacred Gardens, which sprung from this initial proposal, were subsequently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Nations with strong Buddhist traditions each have a presence in the Gardens; some have erected lovely temples while others are still in the building process. Hiring a rickshaw for the day, I was able to see most of the temples, which are scattered along a central canal and tucked into surrounding forests where monkeys roam and screech.

Moving from the heat of the southern plains to the mid-hills in the central part of the country, I made my way to what quickly became my favorite place in Nepal, the town of Pokhara. I walked the three-mile long lakefront road, bantering with Nepali merchants as I munched on oranges purchased from slender Indian boys who hawked the sweet, juicy fruit from wire baskets mounted to the rear of their bikes. One morning I climbed Sarangkot at dawn and watched the sun rise over the valley, illuminating the valley below in more shades of green and gold than I knew existed. Another day I climbed to the World Peace Pagoda, perched atop a hill on the far side of the lake, for a view over the town toward the jagged Himalayas and the fancifully named Fishtail peak. On another languid afternoon I hopped aboard a brightly painted wooden boat and paddled to a tiny island in the center of Phewa lake, where I made devotions at Barahi Temple, the most important Hindu religious site in town. 

Intrigued by the diversity of Nepal, with its multitude of ethnic groups and variety of terrain, I took a bus north from Pokhara to the end of the line in Besisahar and hopped aboard a 4-wheel drive jeep for a grueling two-hour grind up to Puma. This tiny village high up in the Himalayas is the abode of Gurungs, an ethnic group that traditionally enters the military or farms. Here I was welcomed for four blissful days into the home of Aama Gurung and her extended family. By day I explored hand-laid flagstone stairways carved into the mountainsides that connected terraced fields with villagers' homes. During chilly November nights in my host family's unheated chalet I snuggled under thick quilts soon after the sun set. In Puma, life was simple but hard. After dawn prayers, villagers worked collectively, milking buffalos and mucking out stalls, cooking in outdoor wood-fired ovens, harvesting crops, and threshing rice and millet. According to Gurung tradition, 'Guest is God' thus I was not allowed to help but toward the end of my stay I sneakily managed to wash the dinner dishes one night until I was discovered and shooed away. At the end of my visit Puma's Mother's Group bade me farewell with floral garlands and silk scarves; I departed tearfully, filled with love for these spiritual people who care for one another so deeply.

I had arrived in Nepal with plans to spend three weeks and three months later I was still there. Finally, in late December last year I departed, knowing that if I didn't go I might never leave. For the next three months I traveled to far-flung places with stunning scenery and welcoming people but my heart longed to be in Nepal. I am back now, discovering more of this fascinating country, looking for even more off-the-beaten track destinations. I suspect it will take a lifetime to ferret out everything that it has to offer but I know one thing for sure. Nepal is not just for mountain trekking and adventure travel.

Related Artices:

Nepal Travel 101

Learn Nepali with World Nomads language guides

About the Author

After years of working 70-80 hours per week at jobs that paid the bills but brought no joy, a serious illness made Barbara Weibel realize she felt like the proverbial "hole in the donut" - solid on the outside but empty on the inside. After recovering her health, she walked away from her successful but unfulfilling career, sold or gave away most of her material possessions, donned a backpack and traveled around the world for six months to pursue the only things that had ever made her happy: travel, photography and writing. Four years later she is still on the road, more convinced than ever that we are all more alike than we are different and that travel is one of the most effective tools in the quest for world peace. Read more on her blog Hole in the Donut World Travel.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely.  Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.  

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

Information About Nepal

Destination: Nepal

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Back to Nature

The bulk of Nepal's visitors are drawn to the scenic wonders of its mountains and jungles.



Royal Chitwan National Park is the most popular place for wildlife watching, either on elephant-back, on foot or in a 4WD. 

Royal Bardia National Park sees far fewer visitors (check the security situation here), which makes it an even quieter spot to view rhinos, tiger, sarus cranes and gharial. 

Nepal's birding paradise is the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, where bird species outnumber humans 400:1 on the floodplains and grasslands of the Sapt Kosi river.

One of the best ways to experience Nepal's wilderness is on a multiday rafting trip down the Sun Kosi or Karnali rivers. The riverside camps, total lack of roads and expedition camaraderie make these two of the world's best rafting trips. 

For a quick break from Kathmandu, head up to Borderlands or The Last Resort, two relaxing riverside camps, far from the bustle of the capital, near the Tibetan border.

In a land of mountain views, our vote for the best accessible mountain scenery in Nepal goes to the Gokyo Valley on the Everest Base Camp trek, but if you don't have time for a long trek then the best Himalayan views are at Daman or Nagarkot, where you can enjoy breakfast in bed while eyeing an unbroken chain of Himalayan peaks.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Nepal

Located in beautiful South Asia and sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is one of the most incredible and fascinating places to visit on earth.  It is home to majestic Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is one of few countries in the world never to have been colonized.  This breathtaking country offers a uniquely diverse landscape with the Himalayan Mountains and hills in the north and flat expansive plains to the south.  From deep gorges to towering mountains, vibrant culture and charismatic people, Nepal is the ideal travel destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. But as with any journey, it’s important to be prepared before you go.

Our friend Prem Khatri from Ace the Himalaya shares the 5 things you should know before you venture off to this exotic land:

1. Culture and Respect

First and foremost, you’ll want to know how to greet the locals.  The traditional manner of greeting in Nepal involves placing your palms together in a prayer style and saying "namaste" or "namaskar".  Address anyone older than you with respect using the terms “dai” for men and “didi” for women.  And avoid stepping over someone’s outstretched legs or touching anyone with your feet as these are considered impolite.

Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll want to be sure to obey local culture so as not to offend.  Note that it is never acceptable to wear revealing clothing (including shorts), particularly for women.  While swimming, stick to a one-piece and leave the bikini at home.  Public displays of affection are also frowned upon in Nepal.

If you are lucky enough to be invited into a Nepali home, remember to remove your shoes before entering.  At dinner time, you must always wash your hands and mouth prior to eating.  Always wait for the host to serve you and avoid “polluting” food by letting it come into contact with a used plate or utensil.  Whatever you do, don’t use your own spoon or fork to serve food.  Bon appetit!

2. Trekking and Adventure Sports

Given Nepal’s incredible terrain, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations for adventure tourism.  When you’re grabbing your gear, make sure you grab a buddy too.  Trekking or hiking alone is dangerous for a number of reasons.  You may also want to hire a guide, as the woods and mountain areas can be tricky and getting lost or injured is a real risk.  If mountain climbing is on your itinerary, be aware of and prepared for the possibility of altitude sickness and frost bite.  Dress accordingly and don’t take on more than you can handle.

In addition to trekking and hiking, Nepal offers a huge variety of outdoor adventures sure to satisfy even the most daring traveler.  Whitewater rafting in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering and paragliding are just a few of the many exhilarating options.  If you’re particularly brave, you can experience the second-highest bungee jump in the world, which happens to take place over the mighty Bhote Koshi River.  Whatever your pleasure, be aware of the risks and use caution during your adventures.

3. The Water You Drink

If you plan on staying in Nepal for a while, you may want to pack a boiling pan and filter for the tap water.  Water from the tap is not safe for consumption, even if it’s from your hotel.  Remember to also avoid fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water or drinking soft drinks with ice in them, as the ice may have been made from tap water.  Stick to bottled water, which can be found in just about every store in the country.

4. Nepali Food (Dal Bhat)

When you’re heading to Nepal, don’t forget to bring your appetite.  Offering everything from traditional fare to popular international dishes, you’ll never go hungry there.  Typical Nepali food is called Dal Bhat, and is made up of rice and lentils.  Side dishes usually include a variety of fresh vegetables such as potatoes and cauliflower.  Traditional Nepali food is often spicy, but you can usually specify how mild or hot you want it when ordering.  You can get a taste of this customary cuisine at just about any local restaurant, which are plentiful throughout the country.

5. Everest Mountain Flight

If climbing the infamous mountain isn’t your forte, you can still behold its wonders and majesty by taking a scenic flight, which are offered by a number of different local airlines.  All flights depart from Kathmandu between the hours of 7 and 9.  Drift above the clouds, over snowcapped peaks, and view the spectacular array of lakes, glaciers, rivers and gorges below.  Most of the aircrafts used have clear, non-tinted windows that allow excellent photo opportunities.  You’ll want to capture this view for sure!

Of all the countries located in South Asia, Nepal is perhaps the most incredible to visit.  From breathtaking terrain that practically begs to be explored to friendly, colorful locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors, a trip to this exotic land is sure to entice, excite and inspire even the most intrepid traveler.  These five tips will give you the inside scoop on what to expect on your visit to Nepal and help you get the very most out of your amazing journey.

Related Articles:

Nepal - So Much More than Mountaineering and Trekking

Nepal Travel 101

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely.  Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.  

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

TAGS: NEPAL, 5 THINGS, SAFETY, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL, BUDDHISM

Air Kelapa

Banyak manfaat air kelapa muda. 

Namun juga ada minusnya. Apakah itu? Yuk kita simak.

Di Sumatra Barat dan Riau air kelapa muda yang tempurungnya masih lunak bisa diambil sebagai obat pencegah demam (setelah dicampur dengan kuning telur ayam), terutama bagi anak kecil.

Memang, hanya gula glukosa sebanyak 2% dan sedikit mineral natrium dan kalsium yang terkandung dalam air kelapa muda. Akan tetapi, air glukosa bersifat endoterm (menyerap suhu panas dari lingkungan sekelilingnya), sehingga berakibat mendinginkan. Terutama untuk menjaga agar benih kelapa tidak mati kepanasan. Daya mendinginkan itu akan meningkat kalau air itu dicampur dengan kuning telur ayam yang juga bersifat endoterm.

Gangguan metabolisme (pertukaran zat) yang sampai menimbulkan demam (karena orang yang bersangkutan sukar berkeringat dan buang air) dapat hilang dengan cepat kalau orang itu berhasil berpeluh deras. Ini bisa dicapai dengan minum air kelapa yang dicampur dengan telur ayam. Kalau yang dipakai itu air kelapa hijau muda, tidak perlu lagi ditambah telur ayam.

Selain itu air kelapa, terutama kelapa muda, juga mampu melarutkan racun yang agak pekat dalam perut, hingga daya racunnya berkurang. Hanya racun yang terlalu pekat (obat serangga untuk bunuh diri, misalnya) tidak mungkin diencerkannya. Zat yang terkandung dalam air kelapa tua juga glukosa, tetapi karena kepekatannya sudah turun hanya tinggal 1%, maka daya serap panasnya juga tidak besar. Jadi, tidak dipakai sebagai obat.

Impotensi itu biasanya lebih sering disebabkan oleh faktor psikis. Jadi, tak ada hubungannya dengan air kelapa muda. Air kelapa memang tidak baik untuk digunakan dalam perjalanan, karena terlalu banyak mengandung kalsium, sehingga memudahkan terjadinya kejang otot dan cepat menimbulkan rasa lelah.

sumber: tribunnews

Menonton kartun berefek pada balita

 Sering menonton kartun cepat ternyata merugikan kemampuan balita untuk berkonsentrasi dan memecahkan teka-teki berbasis logika. Parahnya, satu penelitian menyebutkan kebiasaan ini juga bisa merusak memori jangka pendek mereka.
Penelitian yang dilakukan oleh ilmuwan dari University of Virginia di AS ini melibatkan 64 anak yang secara acak dibagi dalam tiga kelompok.

Satu kelompok diminta secara khusus menonton sembilan menit kartun SpongeBob SquarePants yang populer, di mana perubahan adegan terjadi pada rata-rata setiap 11 detik.

Kelompok lain mengamati kartun pendidikan dengan perubahan adegan rata-rata setiap 34 detik, sedangkan kelompok terakhir diizinkan untuk menggambar.
Setelah itu anak-anak kemudian diminta untuk menyelesaikan berbagai tes. Yang pertama, tes teka-teki, dan tes yang kedua adalah tes mengikuti petunjuk.

Hasilnya, terlihat kelompok anak yang sebelumnya diminta untuk menonton kartun lebih lambat menyelesaikan berbagai tes, bila dibandingkan dengan kelompok yang menonton kartun yang lambat dan kelompok yang menggambar.

"Percobaan memperlihatkan anak-anak menunjukkan prestasi yang lebih buruk setelah melihat kartun. Bahkan ada temuan yang didukung penelitian lain yang menemukan efek jangka panjang akan fakta negatif ini," tutup salah satu peneliti Dr Angeline Lillard.

sumber : yahoo.com

Asia Journal Fellowship 2011

Application for 2012 is now open

Deadline: 5pm (Singapore time), Friday 14 October 2011.

  

The Fellowship brings journalists from Asia to Singapore's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University for three months.

 Eligibility
Applicants should have at least five years of full-time working experience as journalists (not including as student journalists) and possess potential for leadership and management within the profession or organisation.
Applicants should be residing in Asia. Preference is given to those working for Asian media organisations.
Applicants can be working in any medium — print, radio, television or online.
Journalists working in non-English media are welcome to apply, but must show proficiency in English through a telephoneinterview, as English is the working language of the programme.
Applications from journalists in full-time positions must be accompanied by a letter of support from employers, stating that the applicant would be released for the full period of the fellowship, from 25 February to 20 May 2012. Freelancers are welcome to apply if they are primarily engaged in news or current affairs journalism  

Deadline for application

All the required documents must reach the Wee Kim Wee School no later than 5pm (Singapore Time), Friday 14th October 2011.

Your application is not complete until we receive all the following:

• Completed application form. 
• Employer's letter of support (not required for freelancers). 
• 3 letters of recommendation. 
• 3-5 samples of past work. Read the "Guidance" section on the last page of the Application Form for more details.

 Sending your application

By e-mail:

Send to applications@ajf.sg

By mail:

Asia Journalism Fellowship
c/o SiRC
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
Nanyang Technological University
31 Nanyang Link
Singapore 637718  


Source: http://alturl.com/a4wy4 

National Geographic Channel & WorldNomads.com: Travel Photography Scholarship 2011 - South Africa

WorldNomads.com and National Geographic Channel are giving one exceptional individual the chance to go on assignment with renowned wildlife and natural history photographer Jason Edwards to South Africa!

This is your chance to photograph in Kruger National Park on an 8-day trip with Gap Adventures. Step into the heart of Big 5 game country with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, kudo and monkey...to name a few. You'll also photograph Cape Town in all its vibrant colour and visit a pre-school community project on the outskirts of Cape Town, offering you a well rounded view of modern South Africa, courtesy of South African Tourism.  

A selection of your best photos will be published on National Geographic Channelwhere they will be viewed by thousands of travellers worldwide, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get your foot in the door of one of the most revered exploration organisations in the world!

Highly regarded for his wildlife and remote landscape photography, Jason Edwards is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Your Assignment Brief

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Johannesburg where you will meet your mentor and small travel group for your bespoke 8 day trip with Gap Adventures. You'll need to be available to be in South Africa between January 18-25, 2012.

* On the trip you will work alongside Jason Edwards photographing wildlife and landscapes in Kruger National Park at various times of the day and night. You will also work through a specific shot list as part of your assignment.

* You will gain invaluable mentoring and hands-on experience in everything from shot set up, technique and composition through to insights into his many years of diverse experience as an award winning photographer.

* Your assignment will involve observing and assisting Jason as well as undertaking your own photographic work. This will involve long days, early mornings and late nights working! 

* You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this to a WorldNomads.com travel journal, including pictures you've taken.

* On your return you will work with Jason Edwards through the editorial process toshortlist your top photographs and colour balance to achieve professional looking shots for submission to National Geographic Channel for publication.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a photographer on-assignment with National Geographic!

See past travel photography scholarship winner Dat Vu's photos (2010) on the Nat Geo Channel website, and Anna Zhu's (2009) exhibition with Jason Edwards in Sydney.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Who can apply

* This opportunity is open to any non-professional trying to start a career in Travel Photography -  photography students or keen amateurs/pro-amateurs looking for a foot in the door. 

* Minimum age 18 with a good level of physical fitness.

* This is a global opportunity - you may be a resident of any country.

* You should be an exceptional photographer with a lust for adventure, have a strong desire to be mentored and grow your photographic knowledge and skills, an ambition to forge a career in Travel Photography, and of course a desire to travel to South Africa.

* Remember this is a scholarship, a learning experience, and therefore will not be suitable for professional or semi-professional photographers.

* Find out more about eligibility in our FAQ video blog

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Apply now

Please look carefully at the 4 steps required to complete your application.
If your photos are not ready, we suggest you come back later to complete this entry.

1. Shoot a series of photos (maximum of 5)

They must tell a story about a place you have visited. 'Place' may be anywhere; somewhere in your own community or much further away. The judges will be looking for:

* originality
* ability to convey a story through photos
* excellent technique

Each of the 5 shots must have accompanying caption text to help contextualize the shot (see Point 7 in Jason's Judging Criteria).

Please see our FAQ video blog about the theme, making digital adjustments andJason's judging criteria.

2. Add your photos to WorldNomads.com.

Firstly create a journal, which is where your photos will be hosted, and fill in the entry form. Upload your photos either as a Flickr set or directly in the journal. (If you are already a member or have a journal, please sign-in.)

*Please don't remove the tags and title of the gallery we have set up for you - this is how we find you*

3. Tell us in 300 words or less about yourself and why you should be chosen.

Your written response will have significant weighting in the judging process, so think carefully about why you should be chosen.  Tell us about yourself, your passions, why you love photography, what drives you to take a better shot, where you would like to go with your photography etc. Help us form a picture in our mind of you as a person with your text (see Point 8 in Jason's Judging Criteria).

Remember this is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity, not a junket for professional photographers.

4. Finally the legal bit.

You know the Terms and Conditions of entry.

One entry per person

Applications close: 2pm November 8, 2011 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries, will be published onWorldNomads.com on December 1, 2011.

Check out our finalists and shortlist from 2010 along with judge's comments.

More Questions?

Take a look at our FAQ's video blog which provides more details on the task, technical guidelines, judging criteria, eligibility and more.

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TAGS: SOUTH AFRICA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, CAPE TOWN, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JASON EDWARDS, TRAVEL, SCHOLARSHIP, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY