King David Victory Park learner realises her future vocation
After reading about political opinions she didn't agree with, Danella Cassel was inspired to get into the world of journalism.
Danella Cassel, a Grade 10 learner from King David Victory Park High School was recently accepted into the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) International Teen Journalism Fellowship.
To tell us more about how this came to be and why it was important to their community, a teacher at the school Ronel Klatzkin writes:
When EFF member of the Provincial Legislature, Aishah Cassiem called for the deregistering of United Herzliya Schools in Cape Town for their pro-Zionist education, she never realised that this would inspire Danella Cassel to take the first step in her career as a journalist.
Danella entered an article on Cassiem’s beliefs to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s Teen Journalism Fellowship programme and was accepted. Ninety-seven teens from seven countries entered this virtual journalism fellowship for high school-age Jewish teenagers, and 20 candidates were accepted, with her being the only Johannesburg-based delegate.
The fellowship aims to train and support young Jewish teenagers between 15 to 18 years who are interested in reporting the news of their community through a Jewish teen lens. Author and editor, Katina Paron who heads the programme said. “Danella’s application showed a strong potential in journalism and we would like to work with her to grow that skillset.”
Danella is both excited and nervous about the programme, “I’m nervous about the workload but it seems fun, and there is a lot of support and people to get help from.” She has to write two articles during the fellowship; her first one is about the future of Jewish youth in South Africa and why they are staying or going.
Danella is no stranger to writing, being a member of the school’s weekly Writing Club. She said, “I always write, it’s my escape, and I think I’m good at it.” She hopes to pursue a career in marketing or journalism. “I’m very grateful that my grandmother sent me the link about the JTA Teen Journalism Fellowship when she saw it posted on a Maccabi Facebook page. I hope I will be able to improve my writing skills and get a better understanding of what journalists do.”
The JTA Teen Fellowship is certainly the programme for Danella to fulfil her hopes, especially as it has been recently awarded the Global Youth and News Media Prize for its work with teen journalists.
Related article:
How King David Victory Park Primary School uses its big voice
