News24 launches new Schools Hub to celebrate pupil, teacher and school wins across SA
This section will cover stories from local schools, like extraordinary teacher and student accomplishments and sports accolades.
Schools journalist Aphelele Mbokotho has been appointed to produce unique stories for the new section.
There are few stories of victory and bravado that move and inspire as much as those that come out of the institutions shaping our future generation. From unmatched school spirit to tales of perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity – News24 wants to shine a spotlight on the incredible stories coming out of schools across the country through its dedicated Schools Hub.
Born from the aim to amplify the voices of local teachers who serve as unsung heroes in making a difference in their students' lives as well as a platform for the brilliance of students doing incredible things regardless of their age, circumstance, or access – this section is dedicated to celebrating school wins, big and small.
In February, News24 appointed schools journalist Aphelele Mbokotho to help find and report on the incredible things that schools, students, and teachers are accomplishing across SA.
As for why this section has come about, News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson put it best:
Schools are at the heart of communities. Schools are places where people come together, share ideas and dreams and build the foundation of our country's future. Therefore, News24 must be reporting on the incredible things that happen at our schools.
The purpose of the Schools Hub on News24 is to highlight not only incredible news coming out of schools, but also to celebrate the fun and gees [spirit] involved in cultural and sporting school events.
"We will cover any story about performance, endurance, ubuntu and excellence, whether it be in sports, culture, academics, science, innovation or just doing good," Basson explains.
As a former drama student at Cape Town's Brackenfell High School, he fondly remembers the opportunities he had to connect with like-minded creative children from across the nation. This is one of the many reasons he is passionate about platforming school stories.
"I was part of the drama class at Brackenfell High in Cape Town and fondly remember our drama tours to towns like Montagu and Fraserburg to perform what we believed were world-class productions!" he recalls. "It was great to meet creative children from other schools and explore the countryside in this way."
News24's Good News editor, Paul Herman, who will oversee the schools hub, echoes this sentiment as he believes education is a vital section enshrined in our Constitution. Some of Herman's favourite school memories lie in the camaraderie, spirit, and victorious highs and lows of athletics or sports day – which makes running this section a nostalgic passion for him as editor.
"South African schools are spread along the length and breadth of our country. A big proportion of our population are actively involved in schools right now, and all of us would have passed through a school hall at some point in our lives," Herman explains.
It's great to be able to reflect on all the amazing, interesting and important work that schools, parents and pupils are doing around our country.
News24 Saara Mowlana
As for why Mbokotho felt drawn to the role as News24's school journalist, she credits her passion for highlighting the incredible work being done by teachers who go the extra mile.
"I chose to be part of the Good News team as a school reporter because I am passionate about highlighting the incredible work being done by dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to help students succeed, and the remarkable achievements of students who thrive despite challenges," she elaborates.
In an era where we're often inundated with negative news, these uplifting stories are rarely told, and I wanted to bring them to the forefront.
Basson, Herman, and Mbokotho all firmly believe that sharing stories from local schools is crucial to inspiring communities to celebrate and support their local school initiatives as well as to inspire more schools to share their moments of victory, unity, and student excellence.
"Sharing these stories is important as it shines a light on the perseverance and dedication of students, teachers, and staff, fostering pride and unity within the community," shares Mbokotho.
"These accounts serve as inspirational examples that show success is attainable, regardless of a school's size or resources."
Mbokotho believes that News24 readers have a lot to gain from this new section, namely unique insights into the vibrant activities and achievements within local schools – including sports and cultural offerings.
In her position, she hopes to be able to be the bridge that connects communities to their local schools, and in doing so even inspire them to contribute valuable support to help their schools accomplish even more great things, as she explains:
Publicising these achievements can draw valuable support from the community, local businesses, and government, boosting the school's reputation and encouraging parental involvement.
Basson believes that each school has a unique story to tell and that News24 readers have a vested interest and passion for the school they went to or the school in their community they may be involved in.
"South Africa has a wide variety of schools, from very poor to very rich, and everything in between. But I believe each school has a special, unique story to tell," he shares.
"Whether it is a teacher or a learner doing amazing things, improved matric results or a unique invention or activity."
How can you get your school in the news?
Do you have a school story to share – either of a student accomplishing great things, a teacher going above and beyond, or a sporting moment worth some spotlight?
Please share your school pride and stories via email at feelgood@news24.com.
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