Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
THE Zimpapers Training Institute (ZTI) is set to commence operations on Monday, offering a range of industry-focused journalism programmes.
These courses are designed to provide hands-on, practical training that aligns with current media industry standards.
Prospective students can expect an immersive learning experience aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary for success in the evolving field of journalism.
The courses offered by ZTI which include 12 months’ national diplomas in digital marketing, Innovative Journalism Practices, Media Technologies and Animation, in Media Practices, Graphic Designing, Broadcasting and Film Making as well as six months’ certificate courses play a vital role in elevating the quality of journalism across Zimbabwe.
Among other most pressing hurdles facing the Zimbabwean media landscape is the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the realities of modern newsrooms.
In this era of digital disruption, data driven journalism and multimedia storytelling skills are paramount and thus journalism training should go beyond the traditional print-centric models.
Against this background, ZTI acting principal Mr Limukani Ncube said the institute will provide the much-needed hands-on experience in social media management, digital content creation and verification techniques.
“We are trying to make sure that we are responsive to the changing environment that’s why we opted for digital marketing and the journalism component is where we are doing print and broadcast — we are also including multimedia.
“We are trying to speak to the gaps that are there in the industry.
“I think in a month we also want to start having short courses that are tailor-made to address some of the gaps that are glaring in a number of areas not even confined to the media, but even to the other sectors as well,” he said.
At the end of the programmes, the students and seasoned practitioners are expected to have gained skills that make them competitive in adapting to the dynamic media industry.
It is believed that ZTI with its access to Zimpapers far-reaching resources and industry connections, the institute will offer specialist modules and workshops that supplement the broader curricula of other organisations.
