Specialist Journalism Diversity Fund bursaries awarded to aspiring journalists

Four NCTJ students have been awarded specialist bursaries awarded through the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) in partnership with the Aziz Foundation, the Football Writers’ Association (FWA), and the Thomas Read bursary scheme.

The bursaries were presented at the NCTJ’s equality, diversity, and inclusion conference, which took place last week in partnership with CNN.

Aziz Foundation bursaries

Layla Laidouci and Aftab Ahmed, program manager at the Aziz Foundation (credit: Telling Photography)

The Aziz Foundation, a family-run charitable organization, continues to support British Muslim recipients of the JDF. This year, Layla Laidouci and Nadia Sayed, both studying with News Associates, have been awarded bursaries that provide additional networking and insight opportunities.

Rahima Aziz BEM, trustee of the Aziz Foundation, said: “We are proud to support aspiring British Muslim journalists like Layla and Nadia through our Aziz Foundation bursary programme, in partnership with the NCTJ.

“Layla’s passion for uncovering diverse stories and championing environmental reporting demonstrates her commitment to enriching journalism. Nadia’s resilience and leadership in student media exemplify the vital perspectives needed in today’s newsrooms.”

Nadia Sayed and Aftab Ahmed, program manager at the Aziz Foundation (Credit: Telling Photography)

Layla, who is completing her studies while starting a career in B2B journalism, said: “I am overjoyed to be part of the Aziz Foundation network as a young British Muslim. I aim to build a career that celebrates faith, community, and nature.”

Nadia, who is passionate about telling stories from under-represented backgrounds, said: “I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Aziz Foundation bursary! I am excited to connect with a network of like-minded individuals from similar backgrounds to my own.”

Football Writers’ Association bursary

The Football Writers’ Association (FWA), which began supporting the JDF in 2022, awarded its bursary to Carly Lyes, who brings a unique voice to sports journalism.

Carly Lyes and Paul McCarthy (Credit: Telling Photography)

Recipients of the FWA bursary also gain access to the organisation’s mentorship scheme and a network of over 800 leading journalists and broadcasters.

Carly, who is studying at News Associates London, said: “Being chosen for the FWA bursary is hugely significant for me, personally and professionally. To have such a prestigious organisation recognise my potential is life-changing. I am motivated to bring stories of football’s most marginalised and unheard voices to a wider audience.”

Paul McCarthy, chairman of the FWA, said: “Carly was hugely impressive with her drive and passion for the industry. We felt that if she didn’t receive the financial and structural support now, she might be lost to journalism, which would be unforgivable.”

Thomas Read bursary

This year’s Thomas Read Bursary, established in memory of Sky Sports News journalist Thomas Read, was awarded to Gareth Hamill, who is studying at Ulster University. The bursary supports aspiring journalists with disabilities.

Gareth Hamill

Gareth said: “I am very grateful to have been awarded this bursary. It’s such an important award, and I hope I can do my best to return the faith that has been placed in me.”

Carolyn Read, founder of the bursary, said: “We were all really impressed with Gareth’s determination, positive attitude, and passion for journalism. His qualities reflect Thomas’ commitment to succeed and excel.”

The Journalism Diversity Fund has awarded almost 600 bursaries to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds since 2005. To find out more, click here.