Nampak Report 2018

WESSA LAUNCHES THE YRE PROGRAMME WESSA has launched a new education programme that is aimed at enabling in and out-of-school youth from 11 to 25 years to take a stand on local social and environmental issues and risks through the media of writing, photography, or video. Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a youth-led environmental journalism initiative that aims to create a space for youth to reimagine and craft a socially and environmentally 'just' future while developing skills that aim to make a positive contribution and that re-address environmental injustices by highlighting issues through reporting. The programme was launched at the Sci Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, where a group of youth from five schools listened to presentations by professionals in the fields of writing, photography, and videography. A writing workshop was led by The Daily Vox , an online newsletter, and the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism. The workshop focused on the skills of interviewing different stakeholders and responsible journalism. A photography workshop facilitated by photographers from I Was Shot in Joburg and lecturers from the Market Photo Workshop. MindAd Media Thumbs Up, Bertus Louw from 50/50, and local videographer Monde Nyovane introduced the youth to the trade of videography and provided them with video and editing training for their cell phones. The three workshops also aimed to give the youth a deeper understanding of the respective trades to start their journeys as young reporters in their own communities. Future youths participating in the YRE programme will use a four-step methodological process to guide their local campaigns and will aim to enhance their skills in critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. The youth will be mentored by professionals from various fields, giving them an opportunity to learn from and explore different careers such as environmental law research, videography, investigative journalism, social justice, and politics. The programme also provides an opportunity for participants to represent South Africa in the international YRE competition held annually. YRE programme manager Cindy-Lee Cloete says, "YRE is a creative, participatory, multidisciplinary, nurturing, action and solution-oriented, and fun space for young like- minded individuals and groups that have the potential to develop leaders of change in South Africa .

Above: Young reporters from Eden Ridge High Schools .at the YRE Launch. Right top and bottom: Young reporters being interviewed by Social TV about their vision for the YRE Programme.

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