Senior Chief Adano Girls Secondary School in Wajir County is steadily emerging as a centre for training journalism, offering learners an opportunity to develop communication skills while engaging with issues affecting their school and the wider community.
At the heart of this initiative is the school’s journalism club, where students are introduced to the basics of news gathering, ethical reporting and storytelling.
Through the club, learners document school activities and produce reports on topics such as education, climate change, peacebuilding and community development.
School administrators say the newsroom initiative is designed to complement academic learning by building confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills among students.
Speaking during a recent student media feature, a teacher overseeing the journalism club said the programme aims to empower girls to express themselves and participate meaningfully in public discourse.
“The journalism club helps students learn how to communicate responsibly, verify information and tell stories that reflect the realities of their community,” the teacher said.
At the same time, students involved in the club say the experience has broadened their understanding of media and increased their confidence in public speaking and writing.
“Being part of the journalism club has taught us how to report issues accurately and speak about matters that affect our lives and our county,” said Bushra Muhammad, one of the student members.
Unlike traditional lessons, the newsroom experience is hands-on. Students learn how to structure a story, verify information and report ethically. They are taught the importance of accuracy, balance and responsibility – core principles of journalism that also translate into everyday decision-making.
Teachers also say the programme has improved students’ communication skills, critical thinking and teamwork.
“When students are given responsibility, they rise to the occasion,” the club patron noted. “They research issues, conduct interviews and learn to listen. These are life skills,” she added.
The club patron said stories produced by the students often go beyond school walls. Topics such as climate change, access to education, peacebuilding and the role of women in leadership regularly feature in their reports — reflecting the realities of life in northern Kenya.
According to the school administration, this exposure prepares learners for future careers in media, communication and leadership.
Education stakeholders say initiatives like the school newsroom play a critical role in empowering girls, particularly in regions where cultural norms have historically limited their participation in public discourse.
The school administration believes journalism offers a unique pathway to confidence and leadership.
“When girls learn to speak, write and question, they become leaders,” said a school administrator. “This newsroom is preparing them for future roles in media, governance and community leadership.”
The presence of an all-girls newsroom challenges traditional gender roles and demonstrates that girls can excel in communication, analysis and storytelling.
Senior Chief Adano Girls Secondary School continues to position itself as an institution that not only focuses on academic excellence but also equips students with practical skills needed beyond the classroom.
As student voices grow stronger through the newsroom platform, the school is contributing to the development of informed, confident and socially aware young citizens in Wajir County.
The newsroom activities include covering school events, conducting interviews and producing short reports that mirror professional media practices.
By Hamdi Buthul
