We are pleased to announce a special opportunity tailored to empower and equip religious sisters for impactful roles in media ministries within their congregations in the Global South.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (Catholic Sisters Initiative) has partnered with the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See and CAMECO to launch a special communication scholarship programme, endowed with $100,000 this year.

Through the Cardinal Foley Scholarship Fund administered by CAMECO, this initiative specifically targets talented creatives, communicators, managers, and influencers among female congregations, secular institutes and societies of apostolic life in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe.

 Here's what you need to know:

• Target Group: this initiative specifically targets talented creatives, communicators, managers, and influencers among female religious in congregations, secular instiutes and societies of apostolic life in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Central Eastern Europe that are going to take up important roles and responsibilities in the media ministries of their congregations, institutes or societies
• Focus and Impact: The scholarship aims at raising communication and media capacities and skills of religious sisters and also raise the visibility of the enormous work that is done by religious sisters in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America as well as Central and Eastern Europe and tell their stories that are inspiring hope, love, and solidarity across communities and societies and often in a challenging environment.
• Education and Training: Selected applicants will have the chance to pursue university scholarships and specialized courses in communication related subjects, ensuring they're equipped with the necessary skills to effectively communicate their stories and ministries to the world. Study subjects than can be chosen need however to have a clear link to the future responsibilities may it be running the social media presences, a TV or radio station, a publishing house, the pastoral or public communication activities, teaching communication in universities or media literacy in schools etc.
• Application Process: Interested applicants, congregations, institutes and societies can find more information and apply for the scholarship programme below.

This programme aligns with the "Pentecost Project" initiated by the Dicastery for Communication, aimed at amplifying the invaluable work done by religious sisters globally.

Since 2013, the Cardinal Foley Scholarship Fund has supported over 90 consecrated and lay students in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe, preparing them for leadership positions in social communication ministry.

• Proven capacity and interest of the candidate towards working in communications – including basic (academic) training in the region of origin, and experience in working in and through media.
• Committed support from the local bishop or from the superior of any order/congregation of which the candidate is a member – and a confirmation from the Bishops’ Conference (and, if applicable, from the national communication coordinator) that the candidate’s further training will be of benefit to the local Church.
• A clear perspective of the candidate’s future task(s).
• A mutual (local Church and candidate) commitment to involve the candidate in the communication ministry for at least five years.
• There is no age limit for applicants. Preference will however be given to candidates that are able to use and further develop the obtained skills and knowledge for longer terms in their work for the local church – in leadership positions.
• We do not accept applications that have been written wholly or partially with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT or Gemini). Applicants may use AI only for grammar correction, and any such use must be clearly stated, as applications will be reviewed using AI-detection tools. Please, note that using AI to draft content often results in similar responses, which limits our ability to understand each applicant’s unique perspective and may affect their chances of being selected.

The Screening Committee aims at a good balance of candidates, in terms of geographical origin. It expects the selected candidates to achieve a high standard in their courses.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your communication skills and amplify your impact! We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting you on this journey.

For further questions, please contact: scholarship@cameco.org.