When we were starting our field practical training at Nukta Africa, we thought two months would be a lot of time to spend on a digital news organisation. After a month, we realised it was actually a short time.
In just two months, we learned so much about true life in a media house, thanks to our training at Nukta Africa, a digital media and technology company that aims to improve people’s lives through data and digital content and technology.
In this journey we were three trainees namely Hemed Suleman, Mlelwa Kiwale and Bacley Madyane and were all coming from Dar es Salaam Tumaini University. Some of us had done field practical training before in other media organisations but what we gained at Nukta Africa exceeded our expectations.
As university students pursuing undergraduate studies in Mass Communication, we acquired great experience that added to our knowledge and skills. Some of the things we learned such as data visualization, analytical news, digital and multimedia storytelling and techniques to earn money from the news business were very unique. Half of them are not currently taught in most of the colleges and universities we know.
Gained rare media skills
Throughout our training, we came across various tasks and collaborated in different teamwork activities. These experiences not only boosted our communication skills but also encouraged strong cooperation among us and the team.
Working alongside professionals was both intimidating and inspiring. Yet we thoroughly enjoyed the challenges at Nukta Africa.
Our colleague Hemed focused more on visuals. He was more engaged in video production which included editing and camera work, writing for Nukta Habari, and designing infographics.
For instance, he worked on a data-driven infographics about how HIV/AIDS was still a problem in Tanzania. The infographics had a Tanzanian map showing HIV/AIDS infection rates among people aged 15 and older across different regions in Tanzania. This was among the stories that did very well that week. He was very proud.
Freedom to do what we love the most
Meanwhile, Mlelwa played a key role at JikoPoint, a platform which publishes food and clean cooking content. Of course, she loves cooking and Jiko Point was something important she could relate to.
She not only shared practical tips but also helped in designing infographics after learning how to design visual content related to Forex trends and wholesale crop prices. Every morning on weekdays Nukta Habari publishes Forex and commodities data for the audience who need the insights for decision making in their businesses and personal needs.
“As part of my daily work at Nukta Africa, I was trained in the basics of designing infographics related to Forex and crop prices. I was later recommended to share this knowledge with my colleagues, Hemed and Bacley, for a moment I felt like with enough training I would make an excellent trainer,” Mlelwa said while smiling.
Bacley’s contributions to the team included designing social media posters, streaming live events like parliamentary sessions, and contributing to Nukta Fakti, a fact-checking initiative dedicated to debunking mis-disinformation.
Reflecting on his time at Nukta Africa’s newsroom, Bacley said his experience at the company was an invaluable part of his educational journey.
“The skills I acquired, from writing and fact-checking to video production and infographics, have equipped me with the tools to thrive in the ever-evolving world of media,” he said.
Overcoming challenges a day after a day
One of the biggest challenges we faced as university students was transitioning from theoretical knowledge to practical application. While we had studied journalism and media issues in the classroom, our time at Nukta Africa allowed us to see how theory intersects with the demands of the real world. Some were completely new. We never heard or learned before.
Our two-month journey tested our skills, challenged our perspectives, and shaped us into more capable professionals. It wasn’t just about observing professionals at work; we were given real responsibilities. Even though we thought we were well-prepared, we soon discovered that practical experience offers invaluable lessons beyond what theories can provide.
With tight deadlines and multiple assignments, we had to sharpen our organizational skills. However, teamwork was our greatest strength, and it allowed us to overcome obstacles and produce quality work.
Our supervisors including Nukta Africa’s Editorial coordinator, Esau Ng’umbi commended our efforts on numerous occasions, and by the end of our training, we had grown not only as individuals but as a cohesive team.
“Our challenge at the beginning was not easy to be fully responsible but through cooperation between us and the supervisors we were able to do what we should, we were able to complete the relevant works on time and lead our experience to grow with the speed of the office,” Mlelwa said.
We learned a unique culture of work
Being part of Nukta Africa was an extraordinary experience that broadened our perspectives and shaped our understanding of business strategies within the media industry. The company’s culture among other things emphasises learning, integrity, team work, creativity and discipline. They don’t joke about their values.
As we reflect on our two-month journey, it’s clear that fieldwork was more than just a course requirement, it was a transformative experience. It deepened our understanding of the practical demands of the media industry and gave us confidence in our ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of mass communication.
We now leave with a stronger appreciation for the critical role that media plays in shaping public perception, especially when driven by accurate information drawn from deep research and insights from dozens of human sources and observations.
Our time at Nukta Africa has given us the skills and confidence to pursue our career in this dynamic field. We cannot wait to finish our studies and join the industry full time. Watch this space.
