Publisher Schleswig-Holsteinischer Zeitungsverlag runs the programme to give three-to-six-year-old a fun introduction to real news, and won a jury commendation World Young Reader Prize for enduring excellence this year.

And the Philippines Daily Inquirer worked with two local banks in a six week programme to teach youth about how to manage money in a project that won the top Young Reader Prize in the WAN-Ifra competition.



Using newspapers in class is an old idea that’s getting a new shine around the world, writes Larry Kilman.

In Botswana, 40 teachers worked with WAN-Ifra trainers from South Africa to learn the basics of using newspapers in class, as Botswana this month became the latest African country to introduce the NIE programme. Participants in the organisation’s Women in News programme helped persuade the ministry of education to support the approach.

In Ireland, controversial issues including gay marriage, and societal problems such as binge drinking and obesity were the subjects tackled by students during a Press Pass Week organised by National Newspapers of Ireland in September.

Newspaper articles about these subjects, as well as photojournalism and sports and entertainment content, were compiled into a glossy magazine for the students to use during the week.  The students could also enter a national competition to honour their own writing and visual journalism. 

The project started with a session in Dublin featuring advice from WAN-Ifra experts from around the world.

In Denmark, a new guide introduces 13-16-year-olds to the printed newspaper by offering lively graphics and descriptions, plus an array of activities to further explore news in print.

Authors Gitte Martens Poulsen and Aslak Gottlieb were supported by the country’s newspaper association and the organisation for teachers of Danish literature.

“We are delighted to see the continued strength and usefulness of the printed newspaper for education as well as leadership by newspaper companies and associations in understanding the digital information arena,” said Aralynn McMane, executive director for youth engagement and news literacy at WAN-Ifra.

Projects in several countries help students navigate digital platforms and offerings. In Norway, the Media Businesses’ Association contributed to a new national media literacy programme, combining teaching of traditional journalistic values with creative use of digital space. The project, “Digital School Magazine,” offers 13-year-olds and their teachers detailed guidance on how to get started.

More than 60 schools are participating, including three of every five schools in Oslo.

In the USA, a new, award-winning guide from the Newspaper Association of America provides guidance for using social media in student news operations.

More about these and other 2012 World Young Reader Prizes winners can be found at http://www.wan-ifra.org/node/58916


Watch the video on the SHZ Zikita programme for kindergarten children.