The Junior Writers Programme started off as a way to teach kids writing. I made it attractive by offering a published book at the end of the programme. I wanted to get the best of the best, and let the kids know I was choosing the best. To do this, I decided to have an application process. Getting in would not be so easy.
Some apply for a few years before they get in. Others apply, don’t get in, and decide to improve their writing first before trying again a few years later.
When they get into JWP, it’s not all fun and games. They are in a class with 19 of their peers. It’s intimidating when they hear what others have written. Sometimes they might feel like they’re not good enough. I work with the parents to encourage the kids.
Some need a bit more work. As the classes go on, I sometimes worry if they’re ready, if they have it in them to produce a good story for the book. This is where I push; we have extra classes for some. I need to make sure they can do it, that they understand the lessons.
When they send me the plot for the story, I work with them on that. Sometimes I don’t think a plot will work, but the kid is determined. So, okay, let’s try it your way. When they write the story, I can see it doesn’t work. They will be told and I will point out all the plot holes. Then I suggest we do it slightly differently. Perhaps change this one part, or we tweak another part. We work on it together.
The story goes back and forth a few times. I make them change things, add stuff and work on certain parts.
The Junior Writers Programme is not just a writing programme.
The kids learn about working towards a dream and that being good takes a lot of effort. They learn that you can salvage a project by changing a few things. They learn about collaboration. They learn to have a plan but be flexible. They learn that they need to do their research so that they can come up with a fool-proof plan.
When they complete the programme, I feel they have matured a bit. They’ve learned what it’s like in the working world. They’ve had a taste of what it will be like in university.
This is what we do in JWP.
Brigitte Rozario