STUDENTS are looking for scoops in a bid to make their mark in the fast-paced world of multimedia, thanks to a Bahrain schools education initiative aimed at developing teams of reporters.
The pupils of several government schools have already covered major events staged in Bahrain, including this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The initiative, first introduced by the Education Ministry in 2013 to provide students with media skills, has recently been modified.
Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi hopes the new phase can help prepare young newshounds to consider journalism as a career option.
Some are already looking the part. Maryam Al Hidi wore a journalist vest and held a blue microphone with ‘Schools Reporters’ emblazoned on it as she conducted a video report inside Bahrain National Charter Monument.
“Since I was in primary school I have had the desire and ambition to enter the media field,” said Maryam, a pupil of Almarifa Secondary School for Girls, who just completed grade 10 and lives in Riffa.
“When I heard about the ‘School Reporters’ initiative, I immediately joined. My dream of reporting has become a reality. I feel proud of my achievements as I see my videos go viral and receive plenty of positive reviews.”
Faisal Al Asiri, 11, is another Schools Reporters student from the Religious Institute Primary School for Boys. He regularly highlights events held at his primary school and around his community in Umm Al Hassam.
Student Hazaa Al Kaabi, who has completed grade eight, from Wadi Al Sail Primary Intermediate School for Boys and lives in Wadi Al Sail, said she enjoyed covering local events.
“I hope to join a media company after university. Once I have graduated I will culminate all my efforts to become a media professional.”
Ministry communication department chief Khalil Al Rumaithi emphasised the importance of the initiative in helping to build the skills set of students and empowering them for the future.
“These students are selected and trained in various media art forms by a group of professionals assigned by my department,” he said.
“It is an extremely inclusive project with special needs students involved as reporters and appearing in front of the camera.
For example, Al Hidd Intermediate School for Girls Zain Abdulla Al Otaibi, a student with Down’s Syndrome from Hidd, impressed with her talents for presenting the news from her school.”
Mr Al Rumaithi said the nominees for the Schools Reporters scheme were carefully selected with those showing a keen eye for the news joining the programme.
“Teachers nominate talented pupils interested in the media who are willing to learn new skills in presenting and camera work. The chosen students take part in an intensive training programme to improve their skills.
“We have expanded the initiative over the years and receive co-operation and support from different organisations, most notably Bahrain International Circuit. Our students got the chance to cover the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix following relevant health protocols and still managed to get a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes.
Knowledge
“Such experience definitely enriches their knowledge and skills. The students have also produced media coverage on the BIC highlighting its value as a global tourism destination.”
Students involved in the initiative have also had the chance to talk to several leading personalities too, including Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Dr Al Nuaimi, and other GCC and international officials.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))