A Day at The Namibian

On 10 August this year, I was lucky enough to go to The Namibian newspaper’s office and shadow their staff. I wanted to see whether journalism would be a possible career for me and therefore decided to intern there.

They welcomed me and showed me around their offices, making sure I felt at home before throwing me into the deep end by assigning me to an article.

I went with one of their journalists, Nomhle Kangootui, to the A Shipena School in Katutura where parents were protesting to have a teacher removed. Together, we interviewed the parents, scholars, board members and the principal. It was a valuable experience as I learned how best to approach an interview and how to get the information I wanted.

After gathering information, we went back to the office and I began to write the article. Everyone was so keen to help me and they all offered important advice and tips. When I was done, it was time for my article to be edited – a scary task as I had to face the editors. I watched while my original article was cut down from over 500 words to 300. That was another important lesson as they showed me how to stick to the point and get the actual story across.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been with the Namibian. They taught me so much in such a short time while making the experience not only educational, but fun as well.

Haylene Bossau is currently in Grade 11 at St Paul’s College. She hopes to become a journalist in the future.