Al-Qalam 
Grade 6 Pupils of the Orient Islamic School in Durban have embraced an innovative project called IP News Desk that gives kids a taste in broadcast journalism, writes Azra Hoosen.
If a tween happens to thrust a microphone in your face for a “comment”, don’t be surprised – he/she could be a new breed of broadcast journalist currently being trained at the Orient Islamic School in Durban.
Children as young as 11 and 13 are stepping into the role of anchors, reporters and producers, learning lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
Fathima Rajub, OIS Educator and producer of the IP News Desk, told Al-Qalam that a few years ago, they wanted an innovative and creative way to convey the news. “Newsletters are usually the route to go, but our school already had a fortnightly newsletter. Instead of adding more reading, I thought, what if we produced a news broadcast and nurtured our learners as anchors? That’s how the idea of the IP News Desk was born,” she said.
The broadcasts feature updates on school activities, curriculum reminders, learner achievements and even study tips and Naseeha. They are produced with the same rigour one might expect of a professional newsroom. Scripts are drafted, checked by language departments, rehearsed by anchors and then edited together by a technical team. The final cut is shared with parents and on social media.
For Rajub, the value lies not in polished delivery but in the growth of the children. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about building confidence. We sometimes add bloopers at the end of a broadcast, which everyone loves. It reminds us that these are just 10 – to 12-year-olds trying their hand at something so different. It’s seldom done in one take, but that’s part of the learning,” she said.
The commitment required from learners is no small matter. “There are no marks involved. This is purely voluntary. The kids sacrifice their breaks for script read-throughs. That’s where their commitment comes in. We’ve seen children who barely spoke at first grow in confidence and articulate themselves better. Overall, it’s been very positive,” Rajub explained.
Learners themselves are discovering the impact of their voices. Fareeha Khan, 12, described how the news desk has given them a sense of purpose: “This news platform has had a really positive impact. It keeps students and parents informed about important events, achievements, and issues happening in and around the school. It also gives learners a voice. We get to share our opinions and stories.”
For others, it has been an opportunity to sharpen their skills. Asma Chohan, 11, told Al-Qalam that she takes the role seriously: “As soon as my teacher gives me the script, I practice it, I revise it and I do it with someone. I make sure I am confident, loud, and clear so everyone can hear me and I memorise my parts properly.”
Confidence, for many, has been the biggest gain. 13-year-old top sports achiever, Akram Mseleku, whose presenting skills were discovered after featuring as a guest, described the excitement of seeing himself on screen. “I feel like a celebrity every time I watch myself on the IP news desk. My friends and family are overwhelmed every time they watch me,” he said.
The skills stretch beyond performance. Organisation, teamwork and discipline are part of the package. “To stay organised, I follow a few simple steps, make a schedule, set priorities, break big tasks into small steps, limit distractions, and make time for fun and rest,” said Hannah Omar, 12.
Nasiha Alisha, 11, told Al-Qalam about the mission to get everything right on camera: “What I find most challenging being part of the IP news desk is remembering my lines and not having too many bloopers.”
Most of the stories focus on school activities, achievements and upcoming events.
Rajub said these moments of visibility matter. While parents receive the broadcasts at home, they are also occasionally screened at school assemblies.
For Rajub, the bigger picture is about planting seeds. “We want to instil responsibility and integrity. More than ever, children need to develop critical thinking skills. If you look at the role of media in shaping the news, and how alternate media has changed the narrative, we have to inspire them to think,” she said.
For Orient, the result is not just a record of school events, but a training ground for future storytellers. In Rajub’s words: “It’s about growth and it’s about building a culture of journalism from the ground up.”
