Monthly news - make them listen

An interview with David Blunkett about what makes a good citizen, a discussion of global warming issues and some thoughts about the politicisation of the Olympic Games. These are just a few of the blogs and podcasts young people have uploaded onto a website specifically designed as a platform for their views and opinions. This is because Radiowaves, the schools podcasting network, and the Ministry of Justice are giving young people the chance to have their say on a national stage as part of an innovative project called Voice It.

Voice It challenges young people to investigate, report or campaign on issues that matter to them.  "It's an opportunity for students and young people to get their voices heard by the people who can really make a difference including local councillors, MPs and ministers," a Ministry of Justice spokesperson commented.

A broad spread of topics is covered on the site. One pupil, Carl, has been filmed asking people in Leeds city centre how to improve the image of young people, whilst another podcast asks viewers to think about the rising numbers of knife and gun attacks in London. Blogger DJcloco even reports on an allegedly true ghost story from 1980 called the 'Grocery shop haunting'.

Voice It is in its second year with over 200 schools and 1,000 young people involved to date. Video tutorials and curriculum guides are also available for teachers to use in the classroom or to help students start their own campaigns. Radiowaves' Lucy Neale says; "Participating in Voice It is an opportunity for schools to encourage and support student voice, connect with their local community, contribute to national research and really make a difference."

For more information, visit the Radiowaves website.