Excitement filled the air as secondary school students in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, welcomed the establishment of journalism clubs in their schools.
The South Sudan Union of Journalists (UJOSS) branch office in Western Equatoria State has taken a proactive step by introducing Journalism Clubs in six different secondary schools in Yambio.
The primary goal is to create a platform for aspiring journalists where they can learn essential skills in news writing, interviewing techniques, and other related topics. The initiative is spearheaded by the UJOSS Branch Coordinator, Christopher Gaaniko Ginaba, and supported by Baraka John, the former branch Coordinator.
The program kicked off on Friday with a visit to Bishop Abangite College of Science and Technology. The team’s next stops include King’s College, Alliance High, Green Valley Secondary School, Yabongo Mixed Secondary School, and Nile Progressive Academy, where they will continue inspiring and guiding the young journalists-to-be.
Richard Gimiko, a student at Bishop Abangite College of Science, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I appreciate the Union of Journalists for coming to our school. This is the first time we are receiving training that will help us improve our work here in school and shape our future as professional journalists.” Gimiko believes that the journalism club will enhance their reporting skills and prepare them for a successful career in journalism.
Similarly, Neima Simon, a female student journalist at Kings College, shares her enthusiasm for the journalism club, as she aspires to study journalism at university after completing her secondary education. “Being a journalist is of utmost importance to me and one of my career choices. I chose to study journalism at the secondary level to start practising and honing my skills, as well as learning how to express myself confidently in public,” Neima explained. She believes that the club will equip them with basic news writing and presentation skills while also encouraging other girls to embrace journalism and help bridge the gender gap in the profession within Western Equatoria State.
Currently, Western Equatoria State faces a scarcity of practising female journalists in the seven radio stations across the region. By establishing these journalism clubs, UJoSS aims to produce professional and ethical journalists who are well-prepared even before they enter college.
Christopher Gaaniko Ginaba emphasized the importance of starting journalism education at the secondary level, highlighting that many aspiring journalists often begin their practice late, during college, which presents challenges. “We, the UJoSS branch in Western Equatoria, initiated the program of forming journalism clubs in six schools, and today is our first day. Our aim is to instil the knowledge of journalism into these young, vibrant individuals who aspire to become journalists in the near future,” he stated.
After setting up the clubs, the union plans to conduct regular training sessions to keep the members focused and continuously improve their writing and reporting skills.