Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S leading media house, Zimpapers, has rolled out its Junior Media Clubs programme in Mashonaland West Province, with more than 20 primary and secondary schools from three districts benefiting from the initiative held last week aimed at nurturing future journalists and media practitioners.
The programme, which is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, seeks to equip learners with practical media skills while inspiring them to pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, photography, videography, and digital content creation.
Schools from Makonde, Hurungwe and Sanyati districts took part in the programme through separate launches held in Chinhoyi, Karoi and Kadoma, respectively.
In Makonde District, more than eight schools participated in the launch hosted at Chinhoyi Technical High School, while the Sanyati District programme was held at Jameson High School. The Hurungwe District finale was hosted at Chikangwe High School on Friday.
The Junior Media Clubs initiative has also been launched in other parts of the country as Zimpapers expands the programme nationwide to identify and mentor young talent with an interest in the media industry.
More than 400 selected learners attended the Mashonaland West launch events, where they received training in news writing, interviewing techniques, broadcasting, podcasting, photography, videography, and the ethics of journalism.
Some schools travelled long distances to attend the events, highlighting the growing interest among youths in media-related careers.
In Hurungwe District, at least six schools attended the finale at Chikangwe High School, with learners from Vhuti High School and Nyamakate High School travelling more than 60 kilometres to participate.
Other participating schools included Champion Gwande High School, Magunje Barracks High School and Charles Clark High School.
Speaking during the Makonde District launch, Chinhoyi Technical High School headmaster, Mr Blazio Chigwa applauded the initiative, saying it complemented the Government’s Education 5.0 model, which promotes innovation and practical skills development.
“This initiative is important because it exposes learners to practical media skills and career opportunities within the journalism sector. It also aligns well with the Education 5.0 philosophy of empowering learners with hands-on knowledge,” he said.
Makonde District Schools Inspector, Mr Solomon Katoma, said the clubs would also help fight drug and substance abuse among youths while promoting the safe and productive use of smartphones and the internet.
“These clubs will keep learners engaged in meaningful activities while teaching them responsible use of digital platforms and social media,” he said.
Zimpapers Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, Ms Pauline Matanda, said the programme was designed to inspire the next generation of journalists and communicators.
“The main aim of the Zimpapers Junior Media Club is to give back to the community through equipping young people with media skills,” she said.
“We want learners to appreciate the important role played by the media in society while nurturing future journalists, broadcasters, photographers and content creators.”
Mrs Matanda was accompanied by seasoned journalists and presenters from Platinum FM, including reporter Conrad Mupesa, radio personality Noster “Njondakadzi” Matambura and digital media expert Calchester Kuzanga.
The launch events also featured tree-planting exercises conducted in partnership with Friends of the Environment, an environmental conservation initiative run by Nyaradzo Group.
The tree-planting campaign was held in support of national environmental conservation efforts and aligns with First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa’s call for communities and institutions to promote a greener environment.
