By: Sorie Sesay
Excel Daycare Nursery and Academy has officially opened its new Excel Media Studio at the school’s compound, Tengbeh Town, Freetown. The launch was held under the theme, “Empowering Young Voices Through Media, Creativity and Excellence.”
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Onike King, said the school is committed to providing quality education and practical life skills that will prepare children for the future.
She explained that the new media studio will give pupils who are interested in radio broadcasting, video editing and audio recording the opportunity to learn and develop their talents.
King said the studio is mainly focused on helping young people in Sierra Leone discover and showcase their creative abilities.
She noted that many countries already provide children with modern learning opportunities, and Excel Daycare Nursery and Academy wants to do the same by exposing pupils to innovation and practical skills from an early age.
She encouraged parents to enroll their children in the school so they can benefit from the opportunities being offered. According to her, the media studio is a platform where children’s voices can be heard.
King also revealed that the school recently opened a science laboratory where pupils have already started producing items such as hand sanitizers, body sprays and other products. She added that the school also teaches life skills and financial management to help prepare children for the future.
Meanwhile, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara praised the school’s administration for its commitment to promoting media development in Sierra Leone.
He said SLAJ believes that quality journalism begins with curiosity, integrity, commitment to the truth and responsible reporting.
Kamara described the establishment of the media studio as an important investment, not only in equipment and infrastructure, but also in creativity, critical thinking and responsible communication.
He said the studio will help pupils gain the confidence and skills to tell their own stories while learning about Sierra Leone’s media industry.
He expressed hope that the facility will become a place where children can learn, innovate, express themselves responsibly and develop journalism skills that will positively impact their communities.
He concluded by saying that if Sierra Leone’s young people receive quality journalism training, the future of journalism in the country will be bright.
