The Youth Voice Journalism group from Munsieville recently had a site visit to the offices of The Sunday Times and The Sowetan, where they met with the Editor-in-Chief of the Sunday Times and then took a tour around the printing house. The group are already developing their photography and journalism skills and are hoping to use them in future employment with the local press, where they will also be able to give a voice to the young people of Munsieville.
The Youth Journalism Academy was established as a sustainable project for young people to bridge the gap between high school and employment. An initial pilot was organised to teach a small group how to make short films about their lives and write newsletters, to increase their chances of getting a job. Those materials and learnings were used to launch a full ten-month course for 50 students in February, to secure further funding and external support.
A local business helped with a donation to buy cameras, computers and other equipment, while the project has been fully supported by newspapers, TV and radio stations. They send staff in regularly to run sessions or act as mentors for the students and there are also internship opportunities for the Munsieville participants, giving them a chance to experience the world of work and impress outside partners with their talent. One young person from the pilot has already got a job working on Johannesburg’s leading breakfast radio show, while others are project leads on the new course.
See our Web site for more on the sustainable Thoughtful Path programmes we are creating in Munsieville, which use the energy and resources of the community to change young people's lives forever.
