The Achilles Data course opens doors to students with a passion for journalism

The Bakala Foundation is launching a new phase of its Achilles Data programme for aspiring journalists. The two-phase programme with autumn lectures followed by group work under the guidance of a mentor offers a unique chance to learn about the work of a journalist and gain valuable skills such as conducting interviews or the basics of investigative reporting.

It's the eighth year that the foundation has organised an established journalism programme, not only for Czech students. The programme is open to students with a passion for journalism from 4 countries - the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. Participants will experience what the journalistic profession really entails and gain the necessary practice for their future projects. Successfully completed projects, developed within the framework of Achilles Data, also have a unique chance to be published in one of the programme's partner media outlets.

The program is open to students of all undergraduate majors, whether in journalism, media studies, political science, law, international studies, computer science, or any other field.

"Achilles Data give students a unique chance to experience the profession of journalism for themselves. At the same time, the program allows them to network with industry professionals and build a network for their future careers," Václav Pecha, director of the Bakala Foundation, says.

At the heart of the Achilles Data programme, participants will learn key journalism skills. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, participants will learn how to verify and find data and facts, write engaging in-depth analytical texts, observe journalistic ethics or manage teamwork. They will then put their acquired knowledge to good use in group work on any case or topic.

Among the final works of the previous years of the programme were analyses with a social impact. Participants investigated the TikTok app and its associated societal threats, analyzed the issue of kratom legalization, and explored the story of a "green" energy supply proposal from Azerbaijan. The results of their work have been featured in media outlets such as Deník N, Ekonom and on the website of the Stop Corruption Foundation.

Applications for the programme opened on May 29, with the deadline for submissions on September 30, 2024. The course fee is free and includes travel and accommodation for non-Prague participants.

The Achilles Data program is organized by the Bakala Foundation in cooperation with the Slovak Stop Corruption Foundation and with the support of the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic. Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak was a graduate of the Achilles Data course. His legacy is continued by the Ján Kuciak Investigative Centre, which is also one of the partners of the project.