CNN Academy Storytelling Program | Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact

The CNN Academy Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact 2025 is a fully funded program for young storytellers from the Global South to learn and grow. This CNN Academy Storytelling Program is desinged for emerging journalists who want to tell real stories about health, local communities, and social challenges. With this training, you will learn how to share powerful stories that can help people and make a real difference. You’ll gain the skills to report on global health issues and give a voice to those who are often unheard.

The CNN storytelling program has two parts to help you become a strong storyteller. From July to October 1st, 2025, you will join online classes. These classes will teach you how to write stories in a clear, simple way that people understand. You will also learn about big topics that affect the Global South, like epidemics, health crises, and local challenges. To move to the next phase, you must complete the courses and earn your digital badges.

In November 2025, you will travel to Abu Dhabi for the second part. This is where you’ll join live workshops and real-life reporting practice with CNN’s expert trainers. You will learn new skills and practice them in real news settings. After this hands-on training, you will go back to your country and create a final story that you’ll share with the world. This story will show the power of your voice and your community.

CNN Academy Storytelling Program | Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact:

Program By:

CNN Academy

CNN Academy Program Timeline:

Phase One: Virtual Training: From July to October 1st, 2025
Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation: November 2025, Abu Dhabi

Benefits of the CNN Academy Storytelling Program 2025:

CNN Academy will pay for your travel and stay in Abu Dhabi for the hands-on training.
Learn how to tell strong, real stories from CNN Academy trainers.
Understand more about big global health problems and crises.
Learn how to report on local issues that matter to your community.
Join online courses and fun workshops to practice your skills.
Try real-life news reporting in a safe space to grow your confidence.
Meet other young reporters from around the world and make new friends.
Work on a final story to share your voice and community with the world.
Grow your skills and feel proud of your work.

Check Aspire Leaders Program 2025 | Free Online Program

Eligibility Criteria of the CNN Academy Storytelling Program 2025:

You should live and work in a country in the Global South, like in Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean.
You need to be someone who’s starting out as a storyteller, journalist, or content creator.
It’s important that you have some work to show, like videos, photos, or stories you’ve already made.
You must be able to speak and write well in English.
You should be ready to take part in everything the program offers and use what you learn in your own work.
You must be okay with traveling to Abu Dhabi in November 2025 to join the in-person training and meet new people.

How to apply for the CNN Academy Program 2025:

Check out the official website and read everything there before you apply.
To join the first part, you need to fill out a short form. In this form, you will share a little about yourself and why you want to join. If you get in, you will join the online classes and work to earn your certificate.
If you are picked for the second part, you will have to send samples of your past work. You will also need to show that you are from a country in the Global South.
After you finish all the online classes, you will need to share an idea for a story you want to make. This story idea should be about an important issue in the Global South. It should show that you understand the topic well and that you can really make the story happen.