Daryn Wood
WALMER High pupils are putting pen to paper while sharpening their journalism skills through the school's new newspaper.
Walmer Breaking News was initiated by Fulbright English teaching assistant Kelly McNulty.
The group working on the paper consists of 11 pupils who are "extremely dedicated and passionate about writing", McNulty said.
The pupils write about current issues at Walmer High and in the surrounding community, such as the teacher shortages and successes of school athletics.
They must type their own articles, edit the work of their peers and then meet with McNulty for a final round of editing.
"Through this process, pupils improve their English and writing skills, learn the importance of creating multiple drafts and become more involved in their own community through research and interviews.
"The articles are posted on our journalism board at school for all pupils to view and they are posted online once a week," McNulty said.
Grade 11 pupil Lonwabo Damane got involved with the newspaper this year and is enthusiastic about his writing.
"I enjoy it, it lives in me," Lonwabo said. "I enjoy learning and I want to improve my writing skills."
He said he planned on studying journalism after school and his goal was to start his own media company one day.
Marticulant Lesedi Moyi has a passion for finding positive stories in the community. She says the good in people is often ignored and she wants to expose it.
Lesedi has also contributed several poems to the publication.
McNulty is in the process of securing different partnerships, including a programme where pupils can shadow employees at a local publishing company during their school break.
"The plan is for the pupils to sell these newspapers, and the money will go back to either the printing or towards future journalism projects," McNulty said.
The website is www.walmerhigh.co.za/walmer-breaking-news.