Timothy Maponga
Ashley Kuwa-(Chikangwe High School, Hurungwe)
Aspiring young journalists from Hurungwe received valuable mentorship during a journalism training programme held at Chikangwe High School today.
The programme brought together students eager to pursue careers in journalism under the Zimpapers Junior Journalists Club initiative.
Seasoned journalist Mr Conrad Mupesa from Zimpapers and Platinum FM radio broadcaster Njondakadzi inspired and trained the students to become the voices of tomorrow.
More than 50 aspiring junior journalists attended the mentorship programme, where they were taught the fundamentals of journalism and media practice.
The event was officially opened by Mr Mupesa, who spoke about the qualities of a true journalist and highlighted the ethical boundaries that journalists should uphold in their work.
He also taught the students how to write newspaper articles suitable for publication in Zimpapers publications.
The young journalists were further introduced to the changing trends in the media industry, particularly in digital and photographic journalism.
Njondakadzi, a radio broadcaster at Platinum FM, began her presentation by tracing her roots back to Hurungwe, where she grew up.
Her personal story inspired many students who attended the mentorship programme.
She trained the aspiring journalists in broadcasting and podcasting skills, which could help them build careers in the media industry.
The broadcaster also shared ideas on how students could create engaging content and effectively use different social media platforms.
In addition, she suggested several current affairs topics that students could explore in their journalistic work.
The session motivated the students and gave them a clearer direction on how to pursue journalism.
Students were also given an opportunity to ask questions, and the facilitators provided clear and informative responses.
One of the aspiring journalists appealed to Zimpapers to provide basic equipment such as cameras to help students begin their journalism careers.
The Zimpapers representatives assured the students that their concerns and suggestions would be considered.
The event concluded with a tree-planting ceremony led by a representative from the Nyaradzo Group, who spoke about the importance of environmental conservation and tree planting.
Twelve trees were planted during the event, including an avocado tree named after Nyaradzo and the Zimpapers Junior Journalists Club.
For the aspiring journalists, the club marks the beginning of what many hope will become successful careers in the media industry.
Online Reporter