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Deadline: 20 February 2011

Submit a Story Script to SikhNet

SikhNet is looking for creative writers (You!) to create new original Sikh-themed stories and story series for children. The winning story, as well as a selection of other story submissions, may be used to produce new audio/video stories on SikhNet. If your script wins, it will be featured in future SikhNet Audio Stories online, CDs, books, AS WELL as possibly being animated and shown on SikhNet and on TV!

Prizes:

* $300 US Dollars
* 4 CD set -Audio Stories Volumes 1-4
* Story Book -Volume 1
* Coloring Book - Volume 1
* 4 CD set - Audio Stories Volumes 5-8 (pending release)
* Story Book -Volume 2 (pending release)
* Coloring Book - Volume 2 (pending release)

Deadline: Feb. 20th, 2011

Are you excited?! Put your creativity turban/chuni on and get those creative ideas going!
What We are Looking for in your Story Script:

1. An original story with Sikh characters that is inspirational or teaches something and speaks, in an entertaining and engaging way, to modern children.
2. Stories that are geared towards Sikh girls and female characters that serve as role models and address the needs of Sikh girls. Stories can have both boy and girl characters together as long as there is a strong female character in addition to the boy character. (See 4 below.)
3. Stories that can be made into a series (i.e., multiple unique stories using the main characters in different plots and settings.) We want characters kids can 'connect with' and get familiar with through lots of different "Adventures."
4. Stories with Sikh Boy & Girl characters that appeal to both genders and tackle topics that relate to both. It could also have other main characters, parents, teachers, adults, animals/imaginary characters/sidekicks, etc.
5. We are primarily looking for original work. This means that if history is used, it should be used in a new and original way. Historical stories are more limited, and for that reason we want new ideas and situations that apply to young people today. Historical fiction can serve this purpose provided it is original and "modern." Modern fiction and future fiction will also be exciting. I'm sure you have some good ideas that are itching to come out.

If this sounds interesting to you, then get started right away since we need your scripts really soon! Once you've started your creative process, you may want to read the suggestions below on how YOU can win the excellent prizes and help create more inspiring stories for kids on SikhNet.

In order for your story to be produced as an actual SikhNet Audio or Video Story you will want to keep in mind the following guidelines (of course don't let anything hinder your creativity!)

Ideas

* Sikh Superhero type story series. Should have some grounding in reality even if parts might be fantasy. Make things real...but amplify them.
* Super Powers - Different characters could have "super powers" that they discover. For example: Intuition from doing lots of meditation and being able to know what is going to happen before it happens. Perhaps the character can see the cause and effect of making a particular action based on different choices that he or she might make?
* Martial Arts powers, power of compassion and heightened awareness. Could be like a Sikh version of the "Incredibles."
* Female character that is beautiful and princess-like (or transforms into such a character in some way).
* The hero of your story might discovering his/her "secret identity" and "super powers" in interesting ways.
* When he/she says a particular "Magic word" (WaheGuru?) turns into the "super hero" all dressed in full bana. Kind of like "Wonder Woman"and is thereby transformed and ready to serve others in a unique way.
* You might integrate Sikh history as a side story using a character like Grandmother or Uncle telling a story within the story.
* Your story could be in today's world...but could also be sometime in the future.
* Make it inspiring by focusing on beauty, standing out, service, helping others, courage and standing up for others.
* Have your stories teach various tools that kids can actually use to deal with different situations in today's world.

Length

At the end of audio or video production, we like to have stories 5 to 10 minutes long. Attached you will find an example of a story that ended up being 5:13 long "God In Every Moment" Audio / Script; another that ended up being 8:25 long "Listening to the Heavens" Audio / Script as well as one that turned out to be 12:43 long "Attitude of Gratitude" Audio / Script. This is just to give an idea of the required length when it's on paper. Keep in mind this is a guideline, if a story is really good, it may deserve more time, just so long as it can keep the attention of children.

Format

Your story needs to be in the format of a script. A movie script looks different than a novel or short story. This means indicating when a character is speaking and when the narrator (if there is one) is speaking. Please indent, use bold font in Caps to indicate character or narrator speech. Please use parenthesis to indicate possible sound effects. The script is generally used word-for-word when recording, so write it in the same way that it would be spoken out loud by the character. See the three linked (script) examples in the section above.

Mood

Don't make the stories overly serious. Keep in mind that these stories are for kids, so keep it fun so they enjoy it and learn something at the same time. Refrain from getting too technical. It's best to share something educational through the story indirectly, rather than "preaching" the meaning which can be boring for young kids. It never hurts to remember humor! Who's got a funny bone? We all do! It's connected to the creativity bone.

Language

The story script should be written in English. We are not currently able to produce stories in Punjabi or other languages.

Narration

We like to add character voices and sound effects so that kids don't get bored with the narrator. Keep in mind when writing a script, how long the narrator is talking without any sound effects or character dialogues. Put in sound effects or character dialogues to break up long narrator sequences. Also imagine how you want the narrator to say it. If there is any kind of intonation you would like to come across, do guide the narrator with that by indicating that with parentheses (Eg: (In a loud voice) or (whispers quietly).)

Audio Effects

When writing a script keep in mind that it will sound different when acted out loud than it will in your head. Try actually speaking out loud the dialogue you have written. Make your script as alive as possible and specify sound effects whenever appropriate.

Video Effects

The winning script will likely be turned into a semi-animated video. The animation will be basic but it will be very exciting to present extra visual entertainment along with the audio story! Visualize how the story will look as you write it. This may inspire you to include descriptions of a scene (in parenthesis of course.)

More than one story & story series

You can write and submit a single story, but we welcome you to submit multiple stories, particularly stories that are part of a series with the same characters. If you are inspired to write more than one story, or your story is longer than you thought and you have to split it up into a series of stories, that's OK. Just make sure that each story ends with some resolution. Even though a story might continue and might leave you hanging...there needs to be some resolution and completion in each episode.

Audience

SikhNet audio stories are listened to by people of all ages, however our target audience is kids 4-12 years old.

Message

The message of the story should be implicit in the plot itself. It should not need side explanations for a child to understand what the moral of the story is. Keep in mind that although any positive message is good for kids, these should have with a distinctly Sikh flavor. Perhaps you could add a line (or short passage) of Gurbani to your story.

Here are some things you might want to ask yourself when writing a script:

* What are struggles that kids these days are being faced with? (Especially Girls!)
* What are issues that kids need guidance with today?
* What inspires kids today as opposed to what might have inspired kids in the past?
* If I were a child age 5-12, would I be excited to hear this story?
* If I were a child age 5-12, would I be able to understand the message in the story?
* Are there any friends with whom I can brainstorm ideas and together come up with a good storyline & characters?

Final production. If your script is selected to be produced as a SikhNet Audio or Video Story please be open to input from us. We want to make sure each story is as excellent as possible.

Above all, we want to hear your original voice speaking! Let the creative juices flow and who knows what will come out!

Submit here.

BICS Senior Language Editor \ Copywriter

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Deloitte's professionals are unified by a collaborative culture that fosters integrity, outstanding value to markets and clients, commitment to each other, and strength from cultural diversity. They enjoy an environment of continuous learning, challenging experiences, and enriching career opportunities. Deloitte's professionals are dedicated to strengthening corporate responsibility, building public trust, and making a positive impact in their communities

Overview:

Primary role is to review and edit the contents of proposals, marketing and other documents created in our business. Secondary role is to coordinate a variety of editorial duties, such as laying out, indexing, and revising the contents of documents (e.g. proposals), in preparation for final publication. The ability to be adaptable in terms of scope of work and willingness to assist other team members with their work load when the need arises

Responsibilities

* Lead and direct the document content review process, reviewing for structure, form and language
* Develop and maintain writing/language/style policy

Proposals

The Language Editor/Copywriter will perform and/or direct the document content review process, and where required rewrite and edit sections of documents to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.

Activities and tasks include:

* Assist in developing content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
* Assist in planning the contents of business documents according to the proposal's style, editorial policy, and printing requirements.
* Allocate print space for document text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
* Proof–reading of documents to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
* Review and approve proofs submitted by Desktop publisher prior to printing.
* Supervise and coordinate work of proofreaders and other document reviewers.
* Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
* Arrange for copyright permissions as required.
* Read, evaluate and edit documents and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization.
* Make document contents acceptance or revision recommendations to the production team.
* Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.
* Work with the business to create content for marketing materials

Consulting brand champion

* Be the person responsible for rolling out updates and information within Consulting on the global Deloitte brand
* Regularly visit the Deloitte global branding website, to find updated information on the branding
* Update the team on changes
* Check documents to ensure brand use consistency
* Present brand work shops across Consulting
* Facilitate brand session at staff induction sessions
* Updating standard document boilerplates
* Close liaison with the brand champions in other parts of the firm

General

* Understanding and adaptability towards clients' needs and demands, especially when on short notice
* Attention to detail in ensuring that documents are optimal in terms of structure, form and flow, language and grammar and have a zero defect rating with respect to spelling, punctuation and syntax
* Growing personal performance capability and talent
* Ability to work on many different requests at a time and prioritising
* Maintaining a sense of order and accuracy of work
* Sharing knowledge and skills to assist the team to achieve its objectives
* Be a team player, and show genuine interest in rest of team members

Skills and Experience

* A, B–Degree degree or equivalent
* 2–4 years experience in business writing/editing role

Expertise in:

* Business writing and editing
* Language, grammar and syntax
* Layout and editing principles

Communication:

* Fluent communicator, ability to explain details

Performance Management:

* Focusing and guiding others in accomplishing work objectives by setting
* goals, establishing best procedures, measuring and facilitating performance, and developing plans for improvement

Energy:

* Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigour, effectiveness and determination over extended periods of time

Leadership skills:

* Harness commitment of individuals to deliver results
* Problem solving and decision making

Other:

* Experience in working in a corporate environment is essential
* Experience in marketing or advertising/sales documents would be an advantage

Key Attributes:

Arranger:

* Able to organize, but has a flexibility that complements this ability
* Likes to figure out how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity

Analytical:

* Searches for reasons and causes
* Able to think about all the factors that affect a situation
* Detail oriented

Achiever:

* Has a great deal of stamina and works hard.
* Takes great satisfaction from being busy and productive

Responsibility:

* Takes psychological ownership of what he/she says he/she will do

Restorative:

* Adept at dealing with problems
* Good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it
* Committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty

Developer:

* Able to recognize and cultivate the potential in others
* Able to spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements

Apply here.

Deadline: 3 November 2010

The wealth of any nation are the people, particularly the youths so its always a great thing when we see people trying to develop this niche in the population. The Futures Nigeria are pleased to announce Season II of The Future Writers Workshop!

“The purpose of these trainings is to help talented young writers – whether they work in corporate organisations, are professional writers, freelance writers or just do it for fun – to improve their skills as writers,” Kenneth Oliko, the Communication Coordinator, said. “It is to help them improve your skill as a writer, move from raw talent to a polished stage and get practical tips on how to explore your writing talent. Last season, writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Toni Kan and others were incredibly resourceful in engaging up to 40 young writers and we are glad that everyone is on board to do it again.”

Facilitators include:

* Reuben Abati (Chairman, The Guardian Editorial Board)
* Toni Kan (Author, Night of the creaking beds)
* Tunde Aladese (Script Editor, Tinsel on MNet)
* Shyamantha Asokan (Correspondent, Financial Times)
* Akachi Ezeigbo-Adimora (Former HOD, English Department, UNILAG)
* Olu Jacob (Standard Editor, NEXT Newspapers)
* Chude Jideonwo (Editor, Y!)
* Nkiru Asika (Outstanding Writing Prize Winner, National Press Club of America)
* Ikechukwu Amaechi (Member, CNN Journalist Awards Judging Panel)
* Jeremy Weate (Publisher, Cassava Republic)
* Muhtar Bakare (Publisher, Farafina Books)
* and others

The classes will hold every Saturday from November – December 2010. There will also be a month of internships. And it’s all for a highly subsidized N5, 000 fee.

To qualify, you A) have to be at least 18 years old and no older than 35 C) Have to be a Nigerian citizen C) Must have passed your WAEC or NECO exams with at least 6 credits

And to apply, you send a mail to kenneth@thefuturenigeria.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it, stating

1. Your full name

2. Your age

3. What you do presently

4. Write a 250-word essay on the topic: Is the internet a writer’s friend?

5. Phone number

6. Contact address

There are only 30 spaces and entry closes on Wednesday, November 3! For more information you can go to www.thefuturenigeria.com or call +234-802-222-6712.

The Future Writers Workshop (Young Writers Network) is a Stream under The Future Enterprise Support Scheme (TF-ESS) – which works to provide trainings and capacity building for young Nigerians. Other trainings include The Future Entrepreneurs Development Programme, PicturePerfect, trainings for TV presenters and film actors and the upcoming The Future Photography Workshop.

Dates: 29 January 2011 - 8 February 2011

Cairo International Book Fair is honored every year by President Mohammad Hosny Mubarak who inaugurates its activities and proceedings.

Since the beginning of life on this planet, man has always been preoccupied with finding means of communication with others. The primitive man used his mind to create dialogue with others including indescribable sounds which he used for communication, drawings on caves’ walls and rocks, and engraving on parchment and leather. Throughout the ages, such means evolved into diversified languages used among human beings; for instance, drawing on caves’ walls developed into visual sciences and arts which became an established field that is taught and displayed in the most sophisticated halls worldwide for those who are interested in the visual arts. Furthermore, engraving on parchment and leather developed into letters that are typeset using the two-cover-book form, or communicated through modern technological means via satellites for the benefit of readers searching for knowledge.

The Cairo International Book Fair stands as one of such popular platforms which assumed the responsibility of bringing peoples together and concurrently granting them the opportunity of dialogue and the exchange of viewpoints in all areas.

This huge cultural event (the event organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian General Book Organization) is the product of a pure good land where everyone feels secure and everyone lives together in harmony and peace. Such an event has gained established and well rooted ground and has become an important landmark comparable to the most prominent Egyptian landmarks. Just as the Nile overflows abundantly blessing the nation, the Fair spreads culture in the form of the diverse content it provides to its visitors.

This event started from Al-Gezira grounds in Cairo in 1969 as a national Arab project bringing together Arab people under the banner of science and knowledge, with Egypt as a pioneer of progress and unity. The event proceeded under the auspices of the guards of culture, and through the memorable efforts exerted by all those who participated in organizing such an important cultural event in Egyptian and Arab life.

Date: 15 March 2011

A 6-week writing workshop to get you writing, exploring and expressing and seeing your world with new eyes. 90 minutes every Tuesday from 6pm to 7.30pm for 6 weeks at 6 SPin Street, Cape Town, starting March 15.

Classes are very small creating a safe space to express your true self. The course material is geared to help you see your world - and your life - as an extraordinary place - to see it more creatively, with fresh eyes - and then to transfer this new information into the written word.

It will include playing with, amongst others:

* poetry, free prose, blogging

* writing for self and writing for a reader,

* observation skills (all writers should know how to engage with people/environment so as to be able to write about different characters),

* using the senses to engage with the page,

* getting into character

* accessing the magical child

* memoir/self writing.

Workshop will include exercises in the class that will, amongst others, unlock hidden aspects within ourselves and allow us to access that creatively by writing. It will also include "seeing and writing" outside the class environment in which you will engage with your environment and people with 'new' eyes.

The course is R950 for the 6 weeks. Email or phone me for more details. Bookings close shortly.

Vivian Warby
Cell: 0829207783
wordwarrior@mweb.co.za
www.wordwarrior.co.za

Deadline: 31 May 2011

WHIRLWINDS: Emerging Communities of Sexual Minorities in Africa will be an anthology that will examine the ways that sexual minorities are organizing themselves in new ways to create groups, networks, organizations, and movements across sub-Saharan Africa. By sexual minorities, we understand not only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex groups but also localized endogenous sexual minorities, such hungochani, gor jigeen, dan daudu, and infinitely many others.

Scholars, writers, and activists are invited to submit abstracts for chapters that will contribute to an upcoming book project entitled WHIRLWINDS: Emerging Communities of Sexual Minorities in Africa, edited by Mark Canavera and Charles Gueboguo.

Editors’ Biographies

MARK CANAVERA is a writer, humanitarian aid worker and activist who works primarily in West Africa. His humanitarian efforts focus on youth empowerment and child and family welfare in settings impacted by conflict such as former child soldier reintegration in northern Uganda, small arms control in Senegal, girls education promotion in Burkina Faso, and child welfare system reform in Côte d’Ivoire and Niger. Mark was a founding editor of the Harvard Africa Policy Journal and served on the editorial staff of the Harvard Journal of African American Public Policy. He writes features and op-ed pieces on African affairs and writes for The Huffington Post, America’s most widely read online newspaper. He received Harvard University’s prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Award for Public Service in 2008 and the Best Feature Writing in 1996 from the South Carolina Press Association.

CHARLES GUEBOGUO is an African scholar and author whose has developed pioneering research around sexual identity in French-speaking West Africa. His first book, La Question homosexuelle en Afrique: le cas du Cameroun (The Issue of Homosexuality in Africa: The Case of Cameroon), published in 2006, was the first French-language book-length study of African homosexuality and the first of its kind published by an African scholar. It was followed in 2009 by Sida et homosexualité(s) en Afrique: Analyse des communications de prévention (AIDS and African homosexualities: An analysis of preventive communication strategies), a critical reflection on the lack of appropriate HIV-prevention communication strategies for sexual minorities. He recently co-edited a special edition of the Canadian Journal of African Studies, which presented cutting-edge research and perspectives on sexualities in Africa. He was the recipient of the 2007 Fraser Taylor Award of the Canadian Association of African Studies and the 2009 International Resource Network Africa Simon Nkoli Award in recognition of outstanding contributions in the study of sexuality in Africa.

Overview

WHIRLWINDS: Emerging Communities of Sexual Minorities in Africa will be an anthology that will examine the ways that sexual minorities are organizing themselves in new ways to create groups, networks, organizations, and movements across sub-Saharan Africa. By sexual minorities, we understand not only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex groups but also localized endogenous sexual minorities, such hungochani, gor jigeen, dan daudu, and infinitely many others.

As the book will be primarily descriptive and analytic in nature, the chapter abstracts submitted should not take the form of personal narratives or descriptions of the activities of a single organization. Rather, they should provide a descriptive, critical analysis of groups, organizations, or movements. While remaining accessible to a wide readership, WHIRLWINDS will be grounded in empirical research and thorough investigation.

The book will bring together chapters about both country-level studies and transversal analyses of major themes or trends across countries.

The editors have identified the following countries as likely chapters in the book and are seeking submissions for chapter abstracts related to them:

* Cameroon
* Democratic Republic of Congo
* Nigeria
* Senegal
* Uganda
* Zimbabwe

Writers submitting chapter abstracts about the above countries should include the following in their abstracts: a basic overview of the way that groups, organizations, communities, and networks are emerging among sexual minorities in the country; a description of the methods that the writer will use to gather the relevant data (e.g., how will she or he write about the given topic with a sufficient and credible evidence base?); and key points of analysis about the current state of communities of sexual minorities in the countries. If writers would like to submit an abstract for a country not currently identified on the above list, notably in the Maghreb, she or he is welcome to do so.

Transversal themes for which the editors are seeking submissions include:

* HIV/AIDS and communities of sexual minorities
* The interplay of Western and African organizations
* The role of women’s groups and organizations in sexual minority movements
* Transgender issues
* Historical precursors to current-day movements, groups, or organizing efforts

Writers submitting thematic chapter abstracts should include the following in the abstracts: a brief presentation of the major issues to be considered in the chapter; a description of the data set (e.g., which countries, movements, or groups will be considered in the analysis) and of the methods that the writer will use to gather the relevant data; and key points of analysis that will be undertaken. If writers would like to submit a transversal theme that is not included in above list, she or he is welcome to do so.
Writer Profiles

Given the book’s analytic nature, the editors are seeking writers with strong skills in research, critical analysis, and argumentation. Writers with journalistic and activist backgrounds are welcome to submit chapter abstracts although they must clearly lay out how they will ground their analyses in rigorous research and investigation and how they will make links to the wider body of literature around sexual minorities in Africa.

Strong preference will be given to writers from African countries and research institutes although writers of any background are welcome to submit. As the book must present a common tone, writers whose abstracts are selected for the book project should expect to work closely with the editors to revise their chapters as the project progresses. At the current time, the editors cannot guarantee any payment for work related to this book.
Instructions for Submission

Chapter abstracts should be sent by May 31, 2011 to whirlwinds@rocketmail.com.

Chapter abstracts can be submitted in either English or French although French-language writers should know that the editors will seek to publish the book through an English-language press. (Both editors speak French and will work with French-language writers on translation.)

Abstracts should be no longer than one page long, and they should be accompanied by a brief biography of the author. Writers are welcome to revise former speeches and presentations for submission as chapter abstracts as long as they have not been previously published.

Potential writers should note that the language of the chapters should avoid jargon as the book will seek to present nuanced ideas in clear, straightforward language that will appeal to a broad readership beyond academia.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: whirlwinds@rocketmail.com

For submissions: whirlwinds@rocketmail.com

Deadline: 31 March 2011

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH CONFERENCE FOR AFRICA (ICRCA)
CALL FOR PAPERS

Main Theme: Co-operative Development in Africa: Prospects and Challenges

Venue: MOSHI, TANZANIA Dates: 26th – 28th September 2011

1. Background Information

Co-operatives are important privately-owned, member-based organisations that foster economic and social development of all mankind globally. They cherish democratic ideals and promote human dignity in a globalized market economy. Co-operatives have been promoted in various regions and countries with support from governments, nongovernmental organizations, as well as multilateral agencies. They have gone through series of turbulences – be it political, social, economic or financial crises. The recent economic crisis brought about by financial depression is a good case to reckon. It is a well appreciated fact that co-operatives are effective mechanisms for individuals to pool together their scarce resources and skills towards realization of the economies of scale in various areas related to production, marketing, processing, logistics, finance, and technology. For instance in countries where access to financial resources have been difficult, such as in most Sub-Sahara African Countries, financial co-operatives play a significant role in organizing such services to the bulk of its members. On the other hand, marketing co-operatives have been the sole player in agricultural marketing in countries like Tanzania prior to the introduction of agricultural trade liberalization in the early 1990s.

2. International Co-operative Research Conference for Africa (ICRCA)

The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) has a thematic Committee on Co-operative Research (ICA-CCR), which coordinates the link between academic research and the cooperative world. The ICA-CCR aims at making research on co-operatives more accessible and relevant to the co-operative movements. The ICA–CCR does this by organizing research conferences at global and regional levels. Thus, the International Co-operative Research Conference (ICRC) is a common event organized by the ICA Research Committee annually with varied themes. The Moshi University College of Co-operative and Business Studies (MUCCoBS), which is an Associate Member of ICA, in collaboration with other stakeholders is organizing such an International Co-operative Research Conference for Africa (ICRCA). Other ICA Regional blocs – Europe, Asia, and the Americas have been organising such conferences for years now. Inspired by the initiatives of these other blocs, the MUCCoBS has decided to organize an African Conference as a way of making its humble contribution to co-operative development in the continent.

Co-operatives in Africa are currently faced with a complex set of challenges brought about by the economic, social and political changes resulting from democratization, globalization, decentralization, economic structural adjustments and environmental changes specifically climate change. The effects of these changes are diverse and vary from country to country. However, at the same time there are opportunities for innovation and growth for the co-operatives. This conference, will therefore address, among others, these developmental issues pertaining to co-operative development in Africa.

3. Conference Objectives

The overall objective of the conference is to provide a forum for practitioners, professionals and policy makers to share ideas and experiences in the contemporary cooperative development processes in Africa and strategize on the way forward for the African cooperatives.

4. Conference Sub-themes

The main theme of the conference is subdivided into four sub-themes as follows:

i. Marketing and Production in Co-operatives,
ii. Co-operatives and Financial Services,
iii. Co-operative Governance, and
iv. Co-operatives and Climate Change

Interested researchers are cordially invited to write on any topic provided it falls in line
with one of the above sub-themes. It is expected that about 20 presentations will be made
at this conference based on the four sub-themes.

5. Submission of Abstracts and Full Papers

Potential writers are invited to submit abstracts of their intended presentations/research
papers by March 31st, 2011. Submission of full papers is by July 31st, 2011.

6. Participants

The participants are expected to come from various organizations representing the cooperative movement across Africa and the hosts Tanzanians, government ministries, research and academic institutions, development partners, and non-governmental organizations. Others are from multilateral organisations such as ILO, IFAD, etc, and financial institutions. This advert is also available at www.muccobs.ac.tz

7. Contact

For all communication purposes, please write to:
Chairperson,
Organizing Committee,
International Co-operative Research Conference for Africa (ICRCA),
Moshi University College of Co-operative and Business Studies,
Sokoine Road, P. O. Box 474, MOSHI. Tanzania.
E- mail: icrca@muccobs.ac.tz

Deadline: 1 August 2011

For the past few decades, the Islamic banking and finance industry has grown significantly in the global market. We believe that R & D in Islamic Finance are vital to be further developed. Hence, we at KLIFF 2011 are extremely proud to organize this essay competition to encourage in-depth research competitively. We are pleased to invite and encourage everyone to participate in this essay competition by writing to us a well-grounded essay on Islamic banking and finance topics. The winning essays receive awards totaling to USD6, 000.00. We will begin accepting essays starting from 25 April 2011.

ELIGIBILITY

• This contest is open to all (Malaysian or others from all countries of the world)

ENTRY FORMAT

• An English essay of 5,000 to 10,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
• Submissions can be sent via our online submission form (strongly encouraged!), via e-mail to mazlita@cert.com.my. Each entry must be accompanied by a submission form and short CV.
• Essays must be in the .doc format, 1 ½ spaced and 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Quotes and references must be clearly marked throughout the essay and properly attributed.

PROCEDURES

• Each contestant may submit more than one entry, but each winning contestant will be entitled to only one prize. The prize will be awarded to a winning contestant for his/her highest-scoring entry.
• All submissions must be original. A contestant must confirm that his/her entri(es) has /have not been published or entered in other competition .
• A winning entry will not be allowed to enter into any other competitions.

COPYRIGHT

• CERT reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to adapt, edit, modify, reproduce and use the entry (ies) for any promotional or educational purposes without the prior consent
from the contestant or providing any payment whatsoever to the contestant .
• CERT reserves the right to present no awards, or to reduce the number of awards if an insufficient number of deserving entries is received.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Presentation skills, including the language, coherency and readability.
• Completeness of the essay, including background information, products (s), relevant to the essay development.
• Usefulness of the essay to others.
• Any form of plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.
• Judges’ decision is final and is not subject to an appeal.

TOPICS

Topics for the essay competition should be focused mainly on the following themes :

1. Islamic Banking & Finance
2. Islamic Economics
3. Islamic Equity & Investments Products
4. Governance in Islamic Finance
5. Shariah Methodology & Fatwa in Islamic Finance
6. Risk in Islamic Finance
7. Takaful & Retakaful
8. Legal and Regulatory Issues in Islamic Finance
9. Accounting in Islamic Finance
10. Shariah Audit in Islamic Finance
11. Legal & Shariah Compliance
12. Islamic Capital Market
13. Islamic Treasury Products
14. Islamic Structured Product & Islamic Derivatives

BIG REWARDS AWAIT THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S ESSAY COMPETITION!

Prizes of the winners

1st Prize: USD2,000 Cash, USD250 CERT Book Vouchers
2nd Prize: USD1,500 Cash, USD150 CERT Book Vouchers
3rd Prize: USD1,000 Cash, USD100 CERT Book Vouchers
3 Consolation Prize: USD300 Cash

• The winner will be given the complementary seat to attend 2-day 8th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF 2011).

• Submit your essay with a cover page including your name, address, phone number, organization, email address, essay title.

All entries must be submitted together with duly completed entry forms and sent by mail or e-mail to:

Send all correspondence to: Centre for Research and Training (CERT), 277, Jalan Bandar 11, Metro Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Any queries please call: +603 4108 1439

Fax the Form below to: +603 4106 1549

Send your details by email: mazlita@cert.com.my

We will send you a confirmation note on receiving your registration form.

Download entry form >>

Contact Information:

For inquiries: call +603 4108 1439

For submissions: mazlita@cert.com.my

Website: http://www.kliff.com.my

Deadline: 31 January 2011

The WPI fellowship is offered to 10 journalists from countries around the world. It provides immersion into the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics and culture of the United States for experienced international journalists, through a demanding schedule of study, travel and interviews throughout the country.

The 2011 program will begin in mid August and end in mid-October. The fellows will spend a month in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, and then travel to several U.S. cities, including New York and Washington, D.C., for briefings, interviews and visits. They will returned to Minnesota for the final week of the program.

Eligibility Requirement and Terms

• At least five (5) years full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism.

Journalists can work for news or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, web sites, online publications or magazines of general public interest.

Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers are also eligible.

Those who supervise journalists are eligible providing that they also have at least five years as a working journalist.

Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. People who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.

• Must be currently employed as a non U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English.

• Potential for leadership

Terms of the Fellowship

WPI fellows are required to prepare for and participate in all briefings and all other scheduled WPI events. They must agree to stay for the entire program and to return to their home countries at the program's conclusion.

WPI requires that fellows write for the WPI Web site, including the blog, WPI Reports, and submit up to three stories for WPI's online partners during their fellowship. They are also encouraged to file for their readers, listeners or viewers back home.

Periodic reviews and evaluations are required, and WPI fellows participate in several roundtable discussions about their insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.

Fellows must have a tolerance for others of different cultures. The program involves a lot of travel, is nonstop, and fellows live out of suitcases much of the time as venues change frequently.

Violations of these terms could result in termination from the program

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in a WPI Fellowship. The 2011 fellowship will begin in mid-August and end in mid-October.

Selection is a competitive process. Each year hundreds of journalists apply to the program. Fellows are picked by the WPI selection committee, composed of journalists and corporate communications specialists, all with international experience. Finalists for the fellowship will announced in early April.

During this online application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• Applicant information
• Employment history and education
• Two essays
• Color photo of yourself
• Work samples
• Awards, fellowships, and certificates
• Three letters of recommendation

Before applying, please review the eligibility requirements, terms of the fellowship, and the guidelines for work samples and recommendations.

Deadline

All required information, including work samples and letters of recommendation, must be received by the World Press Institute by January 31, 2011, in order for your application to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

• At least five (5) years full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism.

Journalists can work for news or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, web sites, online publications or magazines of general public interest.

Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers are also eligible.

Those who supervise journalists are eligible providing that they also have at least five years as a working journalist.

Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. People who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.

• Must be currently employed as a non U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English.

• Potential for leadership

Terms of the Fellowship

WPI fellows are required to prepare for and participate in all briefings and all other scheduled WPI events. They must agree to stay for the entire program and to return to their home countries at the program's conclusion.

WPI requires that fellows write for the WPI Web site, including the blog, WPI Reports, and submit up to three stories for WPI's online partners during their fellowship. They are also encouraged to file for their readers, listeners or viewers back home.

Periodic reviews and evaluations are required, and WPI fellows participate in several roundtable discussions about their insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.

Fellows must have a tolerance for others of different cultures. The program involves a lot of travel, is nonstop, and fellows live out of suitcases much of the time as venues change frequently.

Violations of these terms could result in termination from the program.

Letters of Recommendation

During the online application process, you will need to provide the names and email addresses of three (3) references. WPI will contact them with information on how they can submit online letters of recommendation.

* Recommendations should be written by individuals familiar with your work who can comment on your journalistic abilities and potential for growth and leadership. These letters should be in English and address your experience, qualifications, and potential.

* One of the three recommendation should be from your immediate supervisor.

Work Samples

Please make sure all samples contain the date on which they were published. Most, if not all, of your samples should have been published or aired within the last two years.

If your samples are not in English, please include an English summary of their contents

Work samples can be uploaded with the online application. Files with the following extensions are accepted: .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .doc. For photos or other artwork, .jpg/.jpeg, .gif, or .pdf files are accepted.

DVDs, audio/video files, or samples that exist only on paper and that cannot be converted to digital form can be sent to the address below. Please note that samples cannot be returned.

World Press Institute
3415 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55114 USA

1. Print Journalists

* Writers: Submit three (3) samples of published work that has your byline.

* Editors: Submit a statement describing your job. You may include copies of published work along with a description of your role in these samples. For published work, follow the instructions above.

* Photographers: Submit a portfolio with five (5) published samples. Files with the following extensions are accepted: jpg/jpeg, gif, or pdf.

* Do not send complete newspapers, magazines, books, or unpublished manuscripts.

2. Broadcast Journalists

* Submit a DVD or CD with no more than 30 minutes of work. Include a written synopsis of each work with a brief description of your involvement.

3. Online Journalists

* Submit samples equivalent to three (3) print articles or 30 minutes of programming. You can submit your work by providing a link if the segment is still online. Also include what your involvement was with each sample.

* Your samples must be journalistic in nature and demonstrate that your job involves news gathering, writing, editing, or producing.

Essays

Two essays are required as part of the online application. They are:

1. Please describe your professional goals and achievements (in 200-500 words):

2. Why are you seeking a WPI Fellowship? What do you expect to gain? What do you expect to contribute? (200-500 words):

Click here to begin the Application

Dates: 2 - 6 November 2010

The successes of the Ghana International Book Fair over the years have largely been attributed to the active participation of our international visitors particularly Nigerian Publishers and printers and publishers from India, and the contributions and commitments by some individuals and organisations. Institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE), the Ghana Book Trust, the African Publishers Network (APNET), the World Bank Publishing Department and others equally relevant have continued to support the international book fair and have also boosted the morale of the organisers.

The Ghana International Book Fair offer African Publishers the gateway to West Africa in terms of trade opportunities. There are a variety of exhibitors and visitors offering meaningful exchange in selling rights, co-publishing, joint ventures and direct buying. Some publishers have noted that they had been busy selling and buying rights during GIBF.

The Organising Committee of the 9th Ghana International Book Fair cordially invite you to the 9th edition of the Ghana International Book Fair. (GIBF) scheduled for 2nd -6th November 2010 at the Ghana International Trade Fair Site, La, Accra.

The Fair will showcase Ghana’s Cultural Heritage especially in the literary sphere.

From phatitude.org:

Inaugural African American Literary Festival is Set in Celebration of Black History Month

phati’tude Literary Magazine is hosting its 1st Annual African American Literary Festival in celebration of Black History Month. The event is being held at the Queens Library’s Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center in Corona, New York, on February 26, 2011 from 10:00am-4:00pm, which is free and open to the public.

The Festival will promote literacy and increase the awareness of African American literature with a day-long celebration that includes workshops, panel discussion, poetry readings, a musical performance, a short-film premiere and book signings. Additionally, the Winter issue of phati’tude Literary Magazine, “Celebrating Black History Through Literature: From the Harlem Renaissance to Today” will be unveiled, featuring local and nationally recognized writers Amiri Baraka, Quincy Troupe, Ishmael Reed, Shonda Buchanan, devorah major, Yusef Komunyakaa, Stephani Maari Booker, Tony Medina, Askia Toure, Haki Madhubiti, among others. The cover was done by African American abstract-expressionist painter, Danny Simmons.

The Festival kicks off with three workshops, 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM: The Key to Good Writing by Louis Reyes Rivera; Community Publishing by Ron Kavanaugh; and Writing for Young Readers is “Something Beautiful” by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. The workshops are free, but seats must be reserved by registering on Eventbrite.

Activities continue at 12:00 noon with a panel discussion, moderated by Gabrielle David, founder/editor of phati’tude Literary Magazine, which will cover issues pertaining to African American Literature and feature panelists historian and scholar, Louis Reyes Rivera; and poet and writer Reginald Harris; award winning children’s author Sharon Dennis Wyeth; and publisher of Mosaic Magazine; Ron Kavanaugh.

Special guest, poet, teacher and activist, Tara Betts, will discuss the relevancy of African American literature and will read some of her works. Performance by Urban Word NYC; presentations by National Writers Union (NWU) and Poetry Club for Kids; will be followed by the premiere of the short film DUST, written, produced and directed by poet Shane Book. The poets from phati’tude Literary Magazine will also read from their works, with books and copies of the magazine available for sale during the event.

The Langston Hughes Library is located at 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona, New York, 718-651-1100.

This event is co-sponsored by Queens Library‘s Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, with grants received from the New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council Discretionary Grant from Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, Queens Library, Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst, Inc. and private donations and contributions.

The Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS) is sincerely grateful for its sponsors: National Writers Union (NWA), HarperCollins Publishers, Scholastic, Inc., Duke University Press, Pepsi Bottling Company of New York and Frito-Lay, with funding made possible, in part, by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and private donations and contributions.

Hear voices contemporary and classic as selected by New York Times bestselling author Nikki Giovanni.

Award-winning poet and writer Nikki Giovanni takes on the impossible task of selecting the 100 best African American works from classic and contemporary poets. Out of necessity, Giovanni admits she cheats a little, selecting a larger, less round number.

The result is this startlingly vibrant collection that spans from historic to modern, from structured to freeform, and reflects the rich roots and visionary future of African American verse. These magnetic poems are an exciting mix of most-loved classics and daring new writing. From Gwendolyn Brooks and Langston Hughes to Tupac Shakur, Natasha Trethewey, and many others, the voice of a culture comes through in this collection, one that is as talented, diverse, and varied as its people.

"African American poems are like all other poems: beautiful, loving, provocative, thoughtful, and all those other adjectives I can think of. Poems know no boundaries. They, like all Earth citizens, were born in some country, grew up on some culture, then in their blooming became citizens of the Universe. Poems fly from heart to heart, head to head, to whisper a dream, to share a condolence, to congratulate, and to vow forever. The poems are true. They are translated and they are celebrated. They are sung, they are recited, they are delightful. They are neglected. They are forgotten. They are put away. Even in their fallow periods they sprout images. And fight to be revived. And spring back to life with a bit of sunshine and caring. " - Nikki Giovanni

Read: Gwendolyn Brooks, Kwame Alexander, Tupac Shakur, Langston Hughes, Mari Evans, Kevin Young, Asha Bandele, Amiri Baraka.

Hear: Ruby Dee, Novella Nelson, Nikki Giovanni, Elizabeth Alexander, Marilyn Nelson, Sonia Sanchez, and many, many, more.

About the Editor:

Nikki Giovanni is an award-winning poet, writer, and activist. She is the author of more than two dozen books for adults and children, including Bicycles, Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea, Racism 101, Blues: For All the Changes, and Love Poems. Her children's book-plus-audio compilation Hip Hop Speaks to Children was awarded the NAACP Image Award. Her children's book Rosa, a picture-book retelling of the Rosa Parks story, was a Caldecott Honor Book and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Both books were New York Times bestsellers. Nikki is a Grammy nominee for her spoken-word album The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection and has been nominated for the National Book Award. She has been voted Woman of the Year by Essence, Mademoiselle, and Ladies' Home Journal. She is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, where she teaches writing and literature.

Dates: 14 - 19 March 2011

Twenty-one prominent writers from a dozen different countries, will converge on Durban for a thought-provoking week of literary dialogue and exchange of ideas at the Time of the Writer international writers festival from 14 to 19 March. Hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal) and with principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, this 14th edition of the festival, presents a packed programme of both day and evening activities. 'Freedom of Expression' will feature as an underlying thread within the festival and audiences can expect to hear the opinions of leading writers on creative processes which inform their writing as well as on the enabling or constraining forces of political, social and environmental contexts within which they write.

The festival's Opening Night Keynote Address will be delivered by the recently retired Constitutional Court judge, esteemed writer and cultural activist, Justice Albie Sachs. The award-winning author of a number of books, including Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter and Justice in South Africa, Sachs was instrumental in the process of writing the constitution of South Africa and is therefore eminently qualified to speak on the festival theme of Freedom of Expression.

Evening Activities

Following the opening night at which all writers present brief introductions, double-bill readings and panel discussions will take place nightly at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, preceded by book launches and live music.

Tuesday 15 March will feature British-born American Raj Patel food activist and author of internationally-acclaimed Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System, and his most recent offering, The Value of Nothing. Patel has been active in South African affairs and was a visiting scholar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2009. Joining him in a discussion entitled Ugly/ Beautiful, Stuffed and Starved will be South African leading cultural commentator and author of the award-winning Ugly/Beautiful: African and Diaspora Aesthetics, Sarah Nuttall, with her reflections on contemporary society.

Also shining a spotlight on contemporary South Africa on the same night is author and journalist Lauren Beukes, whose novel Zoo City, has been described as "intelligent and witty urban writing for the 21st century." Popular Durban-based author of The Lotus People (which won the 2001 Sanlam Literary Award for an unpublished novel), Aziz Hassim, joins Beukes in a discussion entitled Life in the Inner City.

Leading intellectual and award-winning writer Njabulo Ndebele, author of 'Fools' and other Stories, The Cry of Winnie Mandela and others, will, together with provocative post-colonial thinker and academic Achille Mbembe, tackle the heady topic of A Promise Delivered or a Nation Betrayed: Literature as South Africa’s Conscience. Cameroon- born Mbembe is a profound voice in contesting clichéd Western perspectives of Africa.

Ndebele and Mbembe appear on Wednesday 16 March, the same evening that a foregrounding of African culture will take place in the presentations by Petina Gappah (Zimbabwe) and Ellen Banda-Aaku (Zambia). Gappah’s debut collection of heartfelt short stories, An Elegy for Easterly poignantly describe the strained everyday living of Zimbabwe's people, and this award-winning book has already been translated into six languages. Primarily a children’s writer, Ellen Banda-Aaku’s first novel, Patchwork - an emotive tale of a young girl's journey towards coming to terms with her identity - won the 2010 Penguin Prize for African writing.

French writer Marie Darrieussecq’s best selling debut novel Truismes (Pig Tales) - a postmodern tale about the gradual transformation of a woman into a sow - explores the human state in the most bizarre and fantastical of ways. Matching her for a session titled 'Painting the Psyche' on Thursday 17 March is award-winning artist Ondjaki from Angola, whose evocative work as a poet, documentarian, prose-writer and actor posits him a versatile talent.

Writing from the currently tumultuous context of Egypt, Sahar El Mougy, in a feminist perspective, articulates the conflict between the values of the west and traditional gender roles in the Middle East. In a hot topic session (Thursday), El Mougy will pair up with Durban-born Azad Essa in a discussion entitled Writing Revolution to unpack the role of writers in the scenarios unfolding across the region. Currently working for Al-Jazeera in Qatar, Essa’s provocative 2010 book Zuma's Bastard, offers a fresh perspective around South African race politics and religion.

Two highly accomplished immigrants who have made their mark on the UK literary scene and world-wide, will take to the stage on Friday 18th March. Originally from the Caribbean island of St.Kitts and author of numerous award-winning books, Caryl Phillips, whose extensive writing oeuvre ranges from non-fiction and fiction to theatre, radio and television documentaries teams up with prolific Nigerian novelist and playwright, Biyi Bandele, in unpacking Roots and Routes.

Also on 18 March the genre of the 'crime thrillers' brings together Sifiso Mzobe and Diale Tlholwe, in a panel titled Muti Noir. Exploring the life of a young car hijacker in KwaMashu, Mzobe's Young Blood offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of someone deemed by society, a 'criminal'. Recipient of the 2010 South African Literary Award and described by South African established thriller-writer, Deon Meyer as "superb", Tlholwe's Ancient Rites, within the frame of a detective story, navigates the contrasting worlds of the real and the spirit; the urban and the rural.

Prolific Senegalese writer Boubacar Boris Diop and German writer and filmmaker Torsten Schulz will discuss The Pen as a Weapon against War on the closing night of the Time of the Writer. Diop’s work of fiction, Murambi, the Book of Bones, deals powerfully with the issue of memory around the Rwandan genocide, while Schulz’s novel Boxhagener Square, which won numerous awards and was made into a film, is set in the context of post-war Germany.

Chris van Wyk and Etienne van Heerden will culminate this year’s festival with a discussion on Re-Inventing Memory Through Literature. Van Wyk has an extraordinary knack for telling heartwarming stories of often comical personal experiences against the backdrop of critical periods in South African history. Van Heerden, with his work published in over sixty anthologies in South Africa and overseas, together with an acclaimed string of novels, poetry and essays, is one of the huge icons within Afrikaans literature.

Tickets are R25 for the evening sessions, R10 for students on presentation of a student card. Tickets can be booked through Computicket Tel: 083 915 8000 or 011 340 8000, or purchased at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 18h30.

Day Activities

A broad range of day activities in the form of free seminars, workshops, including a full-day Publishing Forum on 17 March, book launches, school visits, and a prison writing programme, take place to promote a culture of reading, writing and creative expression and broaden access to the participating writers.

Find the full programme of activities and paticipant biographies on our website www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or contact the Centre for Creative Arts for more information on 031 260 2506/1816.

The 14th Time of the Writer festival is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), the Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Durban, the French Institute of South Africa, Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (HIVOS), National Arts Council, Goethe-Institut of South Africa, Adams Campus Books, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Deadline: 9 February 2011

We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2011 funding cycle. Grants will be announced in July 2011.

Eligibility:

The Sundance Documentary Fund supports cinematic feature documentaries about pressing Human Rights, social justice, civil liberties and related topics from the US and internationally. Proposals to the Documentary Fund are evaluated on effective storytelling, global relevance, originality, artistic innovation and potential for social engagement. If your film is within our mandate but with a softer approach to the a contemporary social issue, please consider applying only in the production-post/production category when you have a solid rough cut for consideration. Please note we do not fund shorts, webisodes, online series, or strictly historical, biographical, NGO, or educational films.

Important!

Please prepare a written proposal that includes the following elements. Your proposal should be in electronic format and ready to upload before you begin completing the online application. The upload is limited to .PDFs or Word-compatible documents. All parts of your proposal, including budget, must be combined into one file. Only one file can be uploaded per application and its file size must be less than 3Mb.

Proposal must contain the following:

PROJECT SUMMARY

Briefly provide contextual information necessary to acquaint the reader to the subject, advising why the topic is interesting and why such a film is needed now. Explain any global relevance for the contemporary social issues addressed. Describe why you are pursuing this project and why you are the best person to tell this story.

NARRATIVE SYNOPSIS

Clearly communicate how the film is intended to unfold from beginning to end. Who are the characters and what is their journey? Consider story structure, point-of-view, scope, artistic approach, stylistic innovation, and the length and format of the project. Both Development and Production/Post-production proposals must convey some vision for a finished film.

DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING STRATEGY

Characterize the intended distribution life for your film, including relevant broadcast, festival, theatrical, or home video markets intended.

COMPREHENSIVE LINE ITEM BUDGET

Please list all a line item breakdown of all expenses from development through distribution in U. S. dollars, including a grand budget total, i.e: $250,750.

ABOUT THE SAMPLE WORK

DIRECTOR'S PRIOR WORK (1 PARAGRAPH)

For all proposals, submit at least one of the director's prior films. Briefly highlight its narrative, aesthetic or communication intentions. Articulate the relevance to current proposal, if any. If the current proposal is a departure, how will the film differ.

CURRENT ROUGH CUT OR SAMPLE (1 PARAGRAPH)

If the film is already underway, please submit the rough cut, teaser or clip (1 minute - 75 minutes). Explain concisely what is present or absent on the sample, and how it will differ as a finished film. How does it reflect the intended story, style, subject, etc.

KEY CREATIVE PERSONNEL (1-2 PARAGRAPHS EACH)

Provide BRIEF biographies (50-150 words) for the director, and if attached, the producer, cinematographer, or editor. DO NOT send resumes, CVs or extensive filmographies. Bullet list any other advisors or consultants, if applicable.

OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

For audience engagement with the issues, explain how you would motivate viewers beyond the screening. Characterize collaboration with organization as well as outside partners (educational, cultural, governmental or NGO) intended or secured. What action would you hope viewers will take after the screening?

INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

If applicable, explain how you would enhance your project through multi-platform and ancillary elements. How might these elements be interactive or generate social engagement? Feel free to list technological innovations you might creatively harness.

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY

Indicate relevant sources you will pursue to meet unmet budget requirements.

Attach a complete proposal. PDF and Word formats acceptable. Please name the file in the format: Project Name - DirectorLastName.doc FILES LARGER THAN 3 MB CANNOT BE UPLOADED.

All application elements must be included at time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or pursued. Application materials cannot be kept on file in between rounds. If you are re-applying, you must re-submit the entire application online and resend DVD samples by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I apply?

A: Complete the required fields. Then mail one (1) copy of your project cover sheet, and DVDs and applicable DVDs to the LA office. Please do not mail the written proposal. Please avoid excessive packaging, and do not submit multiple copies of DVD samples. Paper or plastic DVD sleeves are preferable.

Q: Do you have deadlines?

A: Yes. We have two deadlines per year, generally the first week of February and July. Award decisions take approximately six months. Proposals must be submitted online and DVDs mailed by the upcoming deadline of February 9, 2011. Sundance reserves the right to solicit film projects at its sole discretion at any time related to Institute or Documentary Program priorities.

Q: Do you fund projects by filmmakers based outside of the U.S.?

A: Yes, there are no geographical restrictions on who can apply to the Fund.

About the Sundance Documentary Film Program

The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program provides year-round support to contemporary- issue nonfiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries with human rights themes. Services include the Sundance Documentary Fund, three Creative Documentary Labs for directors and producers held at the Sundance Resort every summer, work-in-progress screenings held globally, discussions and presentations by invitation worldwide, documentary support at the Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Independent Producers Conference, and a variety of convenings and partnerships designed to amplify the use of film as a tool for increasing awareness of key global challenges, and motivate change towards more open and equitable societies.

About the Fund

The Sundance Documentary Fund is a core program of the Documentary Film Program. It is dedicated to supporting U.S. and international documentary films that focus on current human rights issues, freedom of expression, social justice, civil liberties, and exploring critical issues of our time. The Documentary Fund was established at Sundance Institute in 2002 with a gift from the Open Society Institute and is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation among others.

Application Process

Sundance Documentary Fund grants are announced twice a year and since its inception at the Institute in 2002, the Fund has disbursed almost $6 million to over 450 films. The Fund provides grants in two categories, Development and Production/Post-Production. A committee of human rights experts and film professionals make recommendations from projects submitted by filmmakers from around the world.

The Fund reviews 2,000 proposals annually, choosing up to 50 for support each year. In funding such work, the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund encourages the diverse exchange of ideas crucial to developing an open society, raising public consciousness about human rights campaigns and restrictions of civil liberties, and fostering an ongoing dialogue about these and other pressing social issues.

To apply, you are required to submit an online application form, plus a full written proposal as well as supporting visual materials. The postmark deadline for all application materials is February 9, 2011. Incomplete proposals will not be reviewed.

Apply online here.

Deadline: 5 - 25 March 2011

Locations: Meditterainee (Mar.5), Aliance Francaise (Mar.11, 25), Morija (Mar.19)

Ba re Literary Festival launches in Lesotho with a month long literature fest, hosting some of the prominent writters of our time, the likes of Nt. Keorapetse Kgosithsile, Kgafela oa Magogodi, Lesego Rampolokeng, Lesedi Mokhele, Lomile Maputle, and many others.

The fest will run on weekends in different places in Lesotho, and entry for all events will be free.

Schedule:

Mar.5 (@Meditterainee): Morabo Morejele in discussion with Kgafela oa Magogodi and Lesego Ramolokeng;

Mar.11 (@Alliance Francaise): Patrick Bereng in discussion with Mathorela Tsikoane & Patrick Bereng;

Mar.19 (@Morija): Lesedi Mokhele, Mpho Brown, Keorapetse Kgositsile in discussion with Lomile Maputle;

Mar.25 (@Alliance Francaise): `M`e Polo `Malehlohonolo Ndumo and Mokuena (Pinnacle) in discussion with L'ouvre editor

For more info contact: +266 597 38 858

Deadline: 5 December 2010

Plan UK is working with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to produce a Special Issue of the journal Participatory Learning Action (PLA) focusing on Youth and Participatory Governance in Africa. The Special Issue will capture and share experiences of the different ways young people in African countries are engaging with government to participate in public policy, planning and budgeting processes at local, national, regional, and international levels.

Key details about the Special Issue:

* What is the theme? Contributions should capture practical experiences of governance work involving youth. Contributions should include: the processes young people have been engaged in; innovations, achievements and challenges; lessons and ways forward. Each article should be around 2,500 words. (Note: this includes innovative ways that youth are engaging with support of ICTs.)

* Who can contribute? We are seeking submissions from adults and young people working in the field of youth and governance who would like to contribute an article to this Special Issue. You might be a youth activist, a practitioner from an NGO or international agency, or a member of government.

* How will contributors be supported? Support will be provided to contributors throughout the drafting process, including a writing workshop (a ‘writeshop’) in Nairobi in March next year during which contributors will receive one-to-one support and meet with others working on participatory governance to discuss and share their experiences

* When do articles need to be written? Anybody interested in contributing needs to submit a 500 word summary by December 5th. Articles will be selected in December. Authors will submit a first draft of their article in February 2011 and, after further drafting, a final draft in June/July 2011.

Download further information on the Special Issue and the PLA journal website here. Download the Call for Proposals here if you think you’d like to submit something or to support youth you are working with to submit.

Submit a concept!

If you are working on programs around youth and governance, youth and transparency, youth and accountability and related areas or know of young people or young people’s organizations who are, please check out this link on how to submit a concept or contact me (lindaraftree at gmail or Jessica.Greenhalf at Plan-International dot org). If the youth you’re working with are more comfortable in a language other than English or French, please also let us know also so that we could see how to support them to engage.

Named in honor of NED’s principal founders, former president Ronald Reagan and the late congressman Dante Fascell, the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program was established in 2001 with funding from the U.S. Congress to enable democratic practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change.

Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows maintain full-time residence at the International Forum
for Democratic Studies, NED’s research arm located in Washington, D.C. Dedicated to international exchange, the program offers a collegial environment for fellows to reflect on their experiences and consider lessons learned; conduct research and writing; develop contacts and exchange ideas with counterparts in Washington, D.C.; and build ties that contribute to the development of a global network of democracy advocates.

The Forum hosts 16 to 20 Reagan-Fascell Fellows per year, divided into two five-month sessions:

* the Fall session starts on October 1 and ends on February 28
* the Spring session begins on March 1 and ends on July 31

The program offers two tracks, a practitioner track and a scholarly track.

The Practitioner Track

The Reagan-Fascell program was established primarily to support democratic activists, human rights advocates, journalists, and others who work on the front lines of democracy promotion in emerging and aspiring democracies. The program seeks to provide experienced activists with an opportunity to reflect on their work, learn from counterparts in the United States, and reevaluate techniques for building democracy in their country of origin. Fellowships on the practitioner track typically culminate in a strategy memorandum, short article or op-ed, and a formal presentation of the fellow’s analysis and ideas.

The Scholarly Track

Recognizing the importance of intellectual contributions to the theory and practice of democracy, the program offers a scholarly track principally for professors and researchers from emerging and aspiring democracies. Accomplished scholars from established democracies are also eligible to apply. Applicants are expected to possess a Ph.D., or academic equivalent, at the time of application, and to have developed a rigorous research outline. During their stay at the Forum, scholars make at least one formal presentation and complete a substantial piece of writing (a monograph or book) for publication.

Facilities and Services

Each fellow receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus health insurance and reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship period. Fellows also receive a fully equipped office and research support through the Forum’s Democracy Resource Center and the Research Associates Program.

While in residence at the Forum, fellows have the opportunity to interact with staff and other visiting scholars and activists in the collegial environment at NED, and with the policy, media, and academic communities in Washington, D.C. Fellows are encouraged to consult with counterparts in the United States, and to participate in the many conferences and seminars held at NED and at the various universities, think tanks, and nongovernmental organizations in the metropolitan area.

Contact Fellowship Programs:
Program Assistant, Fellowship Programs
International Forum for Democratic Studies,
Phone: (202) 378-9700 / Fax (202) 378-9407
E-mail: fellowships@ned.org.

Deadline: 29 July 2011

This year’s prize is for translation from Arabic to English

The Harvill Secker Young Translators’ Prize was launched in 2010 as part of Harvill Secker's centenary celebrations. It is an annual prize, which focuses on a different language each year, with the aim of recognising the achievements of young translators at the start of their careers. For the 2011 prize Harvill Secker has teamed up with Foyles, and the prize is kindly supported by Banipal. This year’s chosen language is Arabic, and the prize will centre on the short story ‘Layl Qouti' by Mansoura Ez Eldin.

Egyptian novelist and journalist Mansoura Ez Eldin was born in Delta Egypt in 1976. She studied journalism at the Faculty of Media, Cairo University and has since published short stories in various newspapers and magazines: she published her first collection of short stories, Shaken Light, in 2001. This was followed by two novels, Maryam's Maze in 2004 and Beyond Paradise in 2009. Her work has been translated into a number of languages, including an English translation of Maryam's Maze by the American University in Cairo (AUC) Press. In 2010, she was selected for the Beirut39, as one of the 39 best Arab authors below the age of 40. Her second novel Wara’a al-Fardoos (Beyond Paradise) was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the Arabic Booker) 2010. She was also a participant of the inaugural nadwa (writers’ workshop) held by the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and was a mentor at the second nadwa in October 2010.

The winning translator will receive £1,000, a selection of Harvill Secker titles and Foyles tokens.
How to enter

Deadline for entries: Friday 29th July 2011

You must be between 18 and 34 years of age on the submission deadline. For further terms and conditions please see the entry form.

Download and print the entry form here (you will need Acrobat Reader to do so)

Download or print the Arabic text here (you will need Acrobat Reader to do so)

Simply send your completed entry form with your translated text to the postal address provided on the entry form. Please note that we are unable to consider entries submitted by email.

If you have any queries, please contact us on: youngtranslatorsprize@randomhouse.co.uk

The judges

Anthony Calderbank (translator)

Anthony Calderbank has been a translator of Arabic literature since the early nineties. He has translated a number of Egyptian novels including Rhadopis of Nubia by Najib Mahfouz, Zaat by Sonallah Ibrahim, and The Tent, Blue Aubergine and Gazelle Tracks by Miral Al-Tahawy, and two novels by Saudi author Yousef Al-Mohaimeed, Wolves of the Crescent Moon and Munira’s Bottle. His translations of short stories include a collection by Nubian writer Haggag Hassan Odoul entitled Nights of Musk: Stories of Old Nubia, and have appeared in a Palestinian collection edited by Nur and Abdulwahab El Messiri entitled Land of Thyme and Stone.

He has contributed to a number of anthologies of modern Arabic Literature including Unbuttoning the Violin (Banipal 2006), the collection Madinah, edited by Joumana Haddad (2008), and the Beirut 39 project. He has also translated numerous pieces for Banipal Magazine. In 2010 he translated an excerpt from Abdo Khal’s novel Spewing Sparks as Big as Castles, which went on to win the Arab Booker Prize.

He has spoken on translation and translation theory at international conferences and cultural gatherings and has conducted translation workshops for the British Council and the Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature. His translation of Yousef Al-Mohaimeed’s novel Wolves of the Crescent Moon was shortlisted for the 2010 Jan Michalski Prize. He has lived in the Middle East for many years and is currently based in Riyadh Saudi Arabia where he is Deputy Director of the British Council.

Maya Jaggi (journalist)

Maya Jaggi is an award-winning cultural journalist and an influential critic on international literature. Her arts profiles in the Guardian Review over a decade are credited with enhancing understanding of world writers, from Günter Grass, Umberto Eco and Jose Saramago to Chinua Achebe, Toni Morrison and Mario Vargas Llosa – as well as British figures such as Jeanette Winterson and Sir Tom Stoppard. The late critic Professor Edward Said described her interview with him as 'in a class of its own'. Her work has appeared widely in periodicals including the Guardian, Independent, Sunday Times Culture, Financial Times, Daily Telegraph, Economist, TLS and BookForum (New York), and in books such as Lives and Works, Writing Across Worlds and Women of the Revolution. She contributes to BBC radio (including Radio 4’s Any Questions?, Front Row and Open Book) and television.

She has interviewed 12 Nobel prizewinners in literature – as well as Arab writers including Mahmoud Darwish, Hanan al-Shaykh, Elias Khoury, Alaa al-Aswany, Tahar Ben Jelloun and Amin Maalouf. She has been a judge of literary awards including the Orange prize, the David Cohen, the Caine, the Commonwealth Writers prize and the Saif Ghobash-Banipal prize for Arabic literary translation. She was educated at Oxford University and the London School of Economics, and is an Associate Fellow of Warwick University and a member of English PEN’s Writers in Prison committee.

Penelope Lively (author)

Penelope Lively was born in Cairo, Egypt and spent her childhood there. She came to England at the age of twelve, in 1945, and went to boarding school in Sussex. She subsequently read Modern History at St. Anne's College, Oxford. In 1957 she married Jack Lively (who died in 1998). They had two children, Josephine and Adam. Jack Lively's academic career took the family from Swansea to Sussex and Oxford, and eventually to Warwick University, where he was Professor of Politics. Penelope Lively now has six grandchildren and lives in London.
Briony Everroad (editor)

Briony Everroad is an editor at Harvill Secker, where she publishes authors Jo Nesbø, Karin Fossum, and Andrey Kurkov, among others. She studied English literature at University College London and in 2002 began working at Random House. Always keen to explore new languages, she spent a term studying French at the Sorbonne in 2006 and is currently learning Spanish. In 2010 she founded the Harvill Secker Young Translators’ Prize.

Entry Guidelines:

To enter: complete the entry form and submit it with one translation of the story ‘Layl Qouti’ by Mansoura Ez Eldin to the following address:

Harvill Secker Young Translators’ Prize
Harvill Secker
The Random House Group Limited
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 2SA
England

Note: entrants submitting a joint translation must complete and include separate forms in the same envelope.

1. T&Cs – By entering this competition you agree to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions.

2. Entrants – This competition is open to anyone aged 18 to 34 years on 29th July 2011 except for employees of Harvill Secker (‘promoter’), Foyles, their families or any other company connected with the competition. The promoter will accept one entry per entrant subject to point 5(c) below. The entrant must not have previously translated (or currently be contracted to translate) more than one full-length work for print or online publication.

3. Dates – Entries must be submitted by Friday 29th July 2011 (‘closing date’). The winning entrant will be notified by telephone in September 2011.

4. Prize – A prize of £1000.00 (one thousand pounds sterling) (‘prize’) will be awarded to the winning entrant.

5. Entry Specifications – Entrants are advised to retain a copy of their translations as the promoter will be unable to return any submitted entry. Each entry must be:

(a) an English translation of the story entitled ‘Layl Qouti’ by Mansoura Ez Eldin (‘story’).
(b) the entrant’s own original work, completed entirely without assistance from professional translators or academic staff. Joint entries involving one translation of the story by a maximum of two translators in accordance with these terms and conditions will be accepted.
(c) submitted as a typeset hard copy with the following specifications: double-spaced, set in 12-point type, with numbered pages and no staples.
(d) Entrants are advised not to include their name on the translation. This is to ensure anonymity.

6. Copyright – The copyright and publishing rights in the story are expressly and fully reserved by Mansoura Ez Eldin. Each entrant undertakes to obtain written permission from Mansoura Ez Eldin before selling, making available or otherwise publishing his/her translation of the story in any form throughout the world.

7. Unacceptable Entries – Entries which do not comply with point 5(c) above, are illegible, submitted electronically, or received after the closing date will not be accepted. The promoter is not responsible for delayed, undelivered or lost entries.

8. Events – Events may occur which render the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the promoter and the promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary, amend, or suspend the prize with or without notice.

9. Judges – The competition will be judged by four judges looking for emerging talent and seeking to identify the most faithful translation of exceptional literary quality of the story. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into in relation to their joint or individual decisions or this competition.

10. Winning Entrant – The winning entrant grants the promoter and Foyles all necessary and relevant rights and permissions in relation to the marketing, publicising and publication of the winning entry on www.youngtranslatorsprize.com. The winning entrant agrees to the promoter’s use of his/her name and photograph in relation to any publicity material relating to this competition and the winning entry.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: youngtranslatorsprize@randomhouse.co.uk

For submissions: Harvill Secker Young Translators’ Prize, Harvill Secker, The Random House Group Limited, 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA, England

Website: http://www.vintage-books.co.uk, www.youngtranslatorsprize.com

Deadline: 17 May 2011

Topic: Refugees and Human Rights

How to Submit a Poem: Download the Entry Form here PDF format

Eligibility: This contest is open to all aspiring poets who are students in Grades 4-12 and attending schools in the greater Toronto area. Poems will be written in English with a maximum of 24 lines. Awards will be given based on the following three grade categories for a total of three first prizes: Group I grades 4-5-6, Group II grades 7-8, Group III grades 9-10-11-12. Current employees or relatives of UNHCR Canada or COSTI Immigrant Services are not eligible to enter the contest.

Prizes: Three First Prizes of $200.00 each. Three Second and Third Prizes of $100.00 each.

Decisions: Judges will be members of the UNHCR Toronto Office, COSTI Immigrant Services, others to be announced. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creative imagination, characterization, artistic quality, adherence to the topic, and rules established for the contest. All decisions of the judges are final.

Fees: There are no entry fees, no subsidy payments, and no purchases of any kind required to enter and win the contest.

Rights: All poems remain the property of the artist. By submitting a poem for this contest, the artist grants permission to UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services to publish the poem, profile contest participants, and use submitted materials in any manner related to refugee and human rights promotion, including for World Refugee Day. UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services are under no obligation to publish any contest entries. The artist is under no obligation to purchase a copy of the publication in which the poem may appear.

Winners will be invited to an open ceremony for prize awards and photo/interview opportunity, children younger than 16 will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult that can authorize and sign on their behalf.

Notification: All prize winners will be notified by mail and posted at www.costi.org

For further information, contact:
Mary Pam Vincer
vincer@costi.org
416.244.8989

Q. How does the contest work, and what prizes can I win?

A. UNHCR Canada and COSTI Immigrant Services are sponsoring the second annual greater Toronto area “Refugees and Human Rights Child and Youth Amateur Poetry Contest” to bring greater attention to human rights abuses and the plight of refugees. Each poem will be evaluated by our selection committee.

There are three school grade categories awarded a First Prize of $200 each. The categories are grades 4 to 6, grades 7 to 8 and grades 9 to 12. Each category will also be awarded a Second and Third Honourable Mention in the form of a plaque.

Q. What is the topic and how do I enter the contest by mail?

A. Please enter only one original poem, 24 lines or fewer, on the subject “Refugees and Human Rights”, in any style. The subject is very broad and you can choose to express your views on any aspect of “Refugees and Human Rights”.

Please mail or email your poem to the following address:

Poetry Contest
1710 Dufferin St.
Toronto, ON
M6E 3P2
Email: admin@costi.org

Contact Information:

For inquiries: admin@costi.org

For submissions: admin@costi.org

Website: http://www.costi.org/

Deadline: 15 November 2010

A book to be co-edited by Chaka Chaka (Walter Sisulu University, South Africa) and Tamishra Swain (Banasthali University, India)

Title of the Book: Afro-Asian Experiences in Language Learning through New Technologies: Research and Practice

Introduction
Issues related to African and Asian experiences in language learning and teaching may have been researched and documented accordingly. However, there exists a scholarly need to compile and document Afro-Asian language learning and teaching experiences by researchers and practitioners at lower (school) and higher educational (college and university) levels in a composite book. In particular, there is an added need to compile and document such experiences as informed by the use of new technologies (e.g., online, wireless, and mobile technologies). This is particularly so since new technologies have impacted not only on English but on other languages worldwide as well. So, some of the questions this composite book will try to answer are the following:

• What specific experiences do Afro-Asian researchers and practitioners have regarding the use of new technologies in language learning and teaching in their respective regions?
• What best practices of the applications of new technologies in Afro-Asian language teaching can Afro-Asian scholars and practitioners share with their peers and other scholars?
• What are the current pedagogical approaches and innovations related to Afro-Asian language learning and teaching that scholars and practitioners employ?
• What are projects, pilots, experiments, initiatives and case studies focusing on Afro-Asian language learning and teaching that researchers and practitioners can share with their peers and others?

Objectives of the Book
The major objective of the proposed book is to present, in a composite book, in-depth research, academic and theoretical chapters on contemporary issues related to Afro-Asian language learning and teaching as informed by the use new technologies. The book also intends providing a space for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to articulate and appropriate experiences, and new models and approaches so as to interrogate pertinent issues related to Afro-Asian languages. In addition, it serves as an avenue for exploring the interface between new technologies and Afro-Asian languages within multiple Afro-Asian contexts. Most importantly, it provides a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to present their best practices, projects, pilots, experiments, initiatives and case studies as they relate to Afro-Asian language teaching and learning using new technologies.

Target Audience
The target audience of this book will comprise students, scholars, practitioners, researchers and professionals of Afro-Asian languages. Moreover, the book will provide insights and understandings to scholars, researchers and practitioners of other languages as well.

Recommended Topics
Recommended topics for this book, whose primary focus is on Afro-Asian language learning and teaching experiences as informed by new technologies, are outlined below. However, we are also keen to receive illuminating and innovative submissions in other areas not included in our list:

• Language learning and teaching experiences
• Best practices
• Lessons learned
• Innovative pedagogical approaches and design issues
• Assessment or evaluation procedures for language learning and teaching
• Skills, vocabulary and grammar teaching
• Pilots, experiments, initiatives and case studies
• Use of new technologies (e.g., mobile phones/smart phones, iPods, PDAs, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Google Docs, social networks, etc
• Digital identities and discourses within the multiple Afro-Asian learning contexts
• Digital literacies and multiliteracies
• Evaluation of the usability of new technologies
• Prospects, and future implementations and trends for deploying new technologies in Afro-Asian contexts

We are keen to receive submissions in two forms:

(1) Academic papers detailing original thoughts and first-hand experiences in varied areas of Afro-Asian learning and teaching. Such papers must adhere to the following conditions:
• Originality
• Should not have been published or not be intended to be published elsewhere
• Full chapters (between 5000-7000 words in length) conforming to the following structure: Abstract; Introduction; Background; Main discussion; Future trends/directions; and Conclusion

(2) Descriptions, discussions and reports of pilots, experiments, initiatives and case studies based on Afro-Asian language learning and teaching. These submissions must adhere to the same conditions as the ones specified above. However, they have to conform to the following chapter format: Abstract; Introduction; Literature review; Purpose; Approach/Theoretical framework; Research design/methodology; Findings and Discussion; Research limitations/implications (if applicable).

Proposal Submission Procedures
Authors are invited to submit chapter proposals (1000 words maximum and as email attachments) clearly explaining the mission and concerns of their intended chapters on or before November 15, 2010.

Important Dates
Chapter Proposal Submission Deadline: 15 November 2010
Notification of Acceptance/Rejection: 20 December 2010
Full Chapter Submission: 20 January 2010
Review Results Returned: 15 February 2011
Final Revised Chapter Submission: 10 March 2011
Final Acceptance Notification Deadline: 10 April 2011
Camera-ready Chapter Submission: 02 May 2011

Typescript, Referencing/Style manuals, Tables, Figures and Images
Manuscripts should be typed on an A-4 size paper/document, double-spaced, with generous margins at the top, bottom, and sides of the page and must be in MS Word 2003-2007 compatible format. The referencing style must conform to the APA style manual. And tables, figures and images used should be in .tif, .jpg or .jpeg format with a high resolution quality of between a 180-360 dpi setting. Copyrighted material must be acknowledged and permission to use such material must be obtained from the copyright holder. NB: All manuscripts will be peer reviewed on a double-blind review basis.

Special Request
NB: Contributors should note that they will be requested to review at least 2 or 3 manuscripts and, as such, need to attach their short biographical notes (100-150 word long) when submitting their chapter proposals. They should also furnish the following details:

Full name(s)
Title/Professional status
Department/Section/Unit
Employer/Affiliation/Organization
Country
E-mail addresses

Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document) or by mail to:

Dr Chaka Chaka
Department of Humanities Education
Walter Sisulu University
Private Bag X1
Mthatha
5117
Republic of South Africa
chakachaka8@gmail.com

OR

Tamishra Swain
603, Gautam Buddh Niwas
Banasthali University
Rajasthan-304022
India
tamishraswain@yahoo.com

NB: Please ensure that the submission you email to one editor is also CC’ed (copied) to the other.