For the sixth consecutive year, the Samir Kassir Foundation, in partnership with ACOS Alliance, Rory Peck Trust , Maharat Foundation, and Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR), are working in partnership to offer FREE access to three safety training courses provided by experienced media safety trainers. The courses will take place in-person only in Lebanon.

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

The content of these courses respond to the context of the MENA region and are 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. In the case of being selected, you understand that by accepting the invitation, you are filling one of a limited number of spots available for journalists in the MENA region. 

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

Course fees and accommodation are covered. A limited number of travel grants are available to eligible applicants based in the region.

Course dates:

Option A: October 17 - 21, 2023

Option B: November 21 - 25, 2023 

Option C: November 25 - 29, 2023 

To apply, please complete this form by September 6, 2023.

Participants must meet the following requirements:

• Be based in the MENA, or cover Lebanon and the region on a regular basis
• 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 those journalists that lack resources or identify as a minority.
• 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 September 28, 2023.

This activity is made possible through support from the UN Democracy Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.