• YOUTH

My Zone a greenhouse for future talents in media

• 1 Week Ago

Following the establishment of the NMH Namibia School Newspaper Project in 2015, the growing demand for a youth-centric presence spurred the amalgamation of the School Newspaper Project as well as youth-related news and initiatives under the NMH banner. The company's youth brand My Zone was then established and has since grown to encompass 58 schools' newspapers, nine TV shows, various special broadcasts ranging from matric farewells and matric results to e-sports and a virtual career expo as well as two weekly publications centred around youth and career news respectively.



In his capacity as news editor for Erongo 24/7, a brand under the Network Media Hub (NMH) umbrella, Otis Daniels has had the oppourtunity to work with a number of young people who have moved through the rungs of My Zone. "My Zone plays a very big role to motivate learners who are interested in journalism and to bring new life to journalism constantly. For many, My Zone offers a way into the labour force," he says.



"I think My Zone plants a seed among the youth and NMH helps to nurture that little plant. There are many young people who grabbed that oppourtunity with both hands and today they are able to do the job well and stand their ground in journalism. There are many examples of young people who moved through My Zone and reached their potential in just a few years and yet continue to build on that to this day," Daniels says.



For Michelline Nawatises, a My Zone alumni and one of the young talents Daniels has worked with, My Zone has been fundamental to her career. Currently employed at My Zone's parent company, NMH, as a multimedia journalist, she says; "Joining My Zone has been one of the best decisions of my life. The expertise I have gained over the years in various roles such as intern, coordinator, and multimedia producer, to name a few has equipped me with lifelong skills I can rely on."



More than professional growth, Nawatises shares that her time at My Zone has aided in her personal development. "Being part of My Zone has allowed me to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and spearhead internal projects such as the Media Camp and the annual Career VX. These experiences have enabled me to hone my leadership skills. I was also accorded the opportunity to work in the Erongo region for nine months as a reporter, which has strengthened me as a journalist by enhancing my adaptability, storytelling abilities, and understanding of diverse communities," she says.



My Zone's first co-ordinating editor, Helené Bam, shares that the 10th anniversary of the establishment of My Zone is a special moment of reflection for her. "The strength of My Zone lies in the deep roots that it has put down in the regions, towns, villages, and education sector of Namibia over the years. If we have been successful over the past decade, it is because we have earned the trust of the youth, educators, parents, coaches, and a generation of young people. May this trust always be nurtured, fiercely guarded and celebrated," she says.



- irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na