Grooming next generation of great readers with MCL

Dar es Salaam. The Citizen conducted its second activation of the Newspapers in Education (NIE) project yesterday at Oysterbay Primary School in Dar es Salaam.

In the presence of fervent students and teachers keen on enabling a more diverse learning environment, the campaign kicked off on an engaging note.

The Oysterbay Primary School teachers, along with the school’s headmaster, Mr. Egidius Mjun Angoma, said that the campaign can create a generation of students who are confident and eloquent in English.

The NIE campaign provides students with the opportunity to gain more information and knowledge through reading newspapers, where academic content is incorporated as part of the content.

Angoma said that the campaign started at the right time when teachers were looking for different tools for teaching English at the primary level.

"It will be very helpful for students and teachers of English-medium schools like Oysterbay because the government’s campaign, which calls for all primary students to be able to speak English, will be attained," said the head teacher.

Angoma added that Oysterbay Primary School used only books to improve students’ ability to read and speak English. However, through The Citizen newspaper, students can learn more vocabulary."

The Citizen's Managing Editor, Mpoki Thomson, said NIE is a tool that can help students achieve their goals and ambitions.

"The initiative encourages primary students like yourselves to love reading. There is no success in life if one does not have knowledge. It is through reading that you acquire knowledge," he said.

Christina Rweyemamu, who teaches English at the school, said that the campaign is important for boosting pupils’ self-confidence.

"There are a lot of interesting stories that come from students themselves, like those highlighting the importance of sleeping. There are also English classes and English clubs that will enable pupils to socialize in various communities," she shared.

Msasani district education officer Edwin Mlelwa encouraged students to create the habit of reading newspapers daily.

"I encourage you to read not only The Citizen but also other newspapers under Mwananchi Communications Limited, such as Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti, for different news," he explained.

A standard six pupil at the school, Salma Zahoro, said that it is a privilege to participate in the NIE campaign.

"I would love to see more career stories because my dream is to become an air hostess," she shared.

Lunotso Dennis, another standard six student, explained that the newspaper will help pupils improve their ability to speak and read English.

"It will help us to know more words. While my dream is to become president of Tanzania one day, reading the newspaper will help me achieve this dream," he explained.