For the eighth consecutive year, the Samir Kassir Foundation, in partnership with ACOS Alliance, Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR), and Rory Peck Trust (RPT), will offer FREE access to two 4-day safety training courses and 1-day refresher safety courses provided by experienced media safety trainers. The courses will take place in-person only in Lebanon.

In line with the ACOS Principles, this course is designed to help journalists exposed to safety challenges in their work to be better prepared. The course consists of classroom and group discussion work interspersed with realistic exercises to build skills and confidence. A vital element of this course is the medical training as an experienced and qualified medic will teach life saving techniques. The course will also address digital security and psychosocial safety aspects.

The content of this course responds to the context of the MENA region and is delivered in both Arabic and English. On completion, each participant will receive a certificate.

Please consider applying to this unique opportunity only if you:

1. are certain that you can take part of the entire course,
2. are willing to commit to the highest standards of professionalism and respect of your peers during the course, 
3. Are physically-able given the nature of the course (the course is hands-on, very active, and a degree of physicality is required). 
4. In the case of being selected, you understand that by accepting the invitation, you are filling one of a limited number of spots available. 

Not complying with 1 and 2 might lead to the exclusion of the applicant. 

Course fees and accommodation are covered. 

Course dates: 

Option A: Hostile Environment First Aid Training (HEFAT) courses

→ Target audience: Lebanon and Syria-based Reporters, Camera Crews, Field Correspondents, and Photo/Video journalists

• Option 1: February 3 - February 6, 2026 (offered in English only)
• Option 2: February 7 - February 10, 2026 (offered in English with simultaneous translation to Arabic)

Option B: 1-day refresher safety courses 

→ Target audience: Journalists based IN LEBANON who have completed SKF HEFAT courses previously. 

• Option 1: February 1, 2026 (offered in English only)
• Option 2: February 2, 2026 (offered in English with simultaneous translation to Arabic)

To apply, please complete this form by January 6, 2026.

Participants must meet the following requirements:

• Be based in the Lebanon or Syria on a regular basis (under this current project, a priority is given to journalists regularly covering Lebanon) 
• Priority will be given to those who have not completed a safety training course before, however the course is open to those in need of a refresher
• Priority will be given to freelancers and journalists who lack resources
• Journalists must be physically active, and must be able to participate actively in the active training. 
• Complete the course in full

Please note the data collected through this form will be stored securely and the information will be accessible only to the partners involved in this activity. Completing this form does not guarantee you a spot in the course. We will inform selected applicants by January 12, 2026.

The HEFAT courses as well as the one-day refreshers are made possible through support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.