HelpAge International has teamed up with the Guardian Newspaper UK and 7 other NGOs for a competition to find aspiring UK-based journalists who care about issues facing the developing world.

The competition, which opens today, Monday 10 March, is inviting entries from both freelance and student journalists who can shed light on issues ranging from access to medicines to family planning.

HelpAge International is encouraging entries on three themes – population ageing, older carers and social pensions.

Sixteen lucky finalists will visit Africa or Asia on an assignment to write a feature that will be published in special supplements in the Guardian later this year.

The competition is taking place with the financial support of the Department for International Development (DFID).

Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP, says: “Journalists will play a key role in helping to raise awareness and understanding among the UK public of the complexity of development issues, explaining how people here are connected with those living on the other side of the world and encouraging us all to play a part in reducing global poverty.

“I encourage aspiring journalists to come forward and take part in this exciting competition.”

The world’s rapidly ageing population means that issues facing older people today have repercussions for everyone in the 21st century. Poverty, health and pensions are all on the agenda.

The HIV and AIDS pandemic has resulted in older people providing and caring for their sick adult children and grandchildren orphaned by AIDS.

Jane Scobie, Communications Manager at HelpAge International added: "We believe journalists are crucial in highlighting issues faced by older people who are generally invisible in development. The voices of older people need to be heard as they are a vital link in progress and have a role to play in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

“Writing about older people’s issues will help to raise their profile and will go a long way in mainstreaming ageing in development and in the public conscience.”

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Notes to Editors
HelpAge International has a vision of a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.

HelpAge International is a global network striving for the rights of disadvantaged older people to economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their caregiving role across the generations.