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Herald Reporter
LORD Malvern High School learners participated at the launch of the Zimpapers Junior Media Club at the school yesterday, expressing excitement at joining the initiative which aims to equip high school learners with media skills.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative which has so far brought 10 schools on board and also aims to groom a young generation that is media literate.
During the launch, learners gained an appreciation of the media club’s objectives as well as dynamics of print and online journalism.
Zimpapers communications and public relations manager, Mrs Pauline Matanda, Suburban Editor Itayi Musengeyi and the club’s coordinator, Fatima Bulla-Musakwa presided over the launch.
Learners had the opportunity to ask questions about dynamics in the media industry and Zimpapers’ CSR initiatives.
Lord Malvern School head boy and outgoing junior Member of Parliament for Harare South, Munashe Siraha hosted the event, displaying the leadership skills engrained in the learners.
Ashley Taguta, who is a junior parliamentarian for Hatfield constituency, was elated at the experience gained through the initiative which encompasses touring Zimpapers offices and trainings from veteran journalists within the organisation.
“We are so excited about the club as we as a school, had our own two magazines. We are going to push and try to ensure we revive publishing them again.
“We will write our own stories on what happens around the school and beyond. We are grateful for this opportunity to be able to write for the newspaper while we are still in school,” she said.
The junior media club has so far been a platform on which talented learners are being discovered and mentored.
Two Form three learners from the school, Nkazimulo Ndlovu and Meagan Mukundidza displayed their artistic flair with the pencil when they drew the Zimpapers logo as a show of appreciation of the CSR work it is conducting.
Form One learner, Lewis Tatenda said he was looking forward to six years of being part of the club until he reaches his Advanced Level studies, to polish his writing skills.
“I can’t wait to come and tour the Zimpapers offices. Just the thought of going to the Star FM studios gives me butterflies and I cannot simply wait for the experience,” Tatenda said.
The biggest media organisation in the country also donated trees to the school as part of its campaign to green the environment.
The school’s English Literature teacher, Mrs Vimbai Katsidzira said the media club launch was an eye opener and a priceless opportunity for the many talented learners at the school.
“We have learnt so much about your publications, reporting and writing from Zimpapers.
“We are looking forward to touring the company to get experience in a practical sense.”
Online Reporter