Radiowaves direct to the Houses of Parliament
News Item Details
- Date
- 4.59pm, 19 December 2006
An innovative new project that saw a local school and the Council working together was discussed at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 5 December.
Radiowaves is a unique international network of online school radio stations created specifically for young people, which Hertswood School were piloting with the Department of Constitutional Affairs.
Fiona Paul, Youth and Projects Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, got involved with the Radiowaves scheme when she was approached by a group of students from Hertswood school who wanted to find out what the Council was doing for them.
The radio station gives schools and students a voice on a safe educational platform with a remit that firmly puts young people at the centre, using creative technology to engage them in learning and skills development.
Fiona, said: “Initially I was approached by Hertswood School in June for an interview and I then arranged for them to have a tour of the Council building to meet other people working in different departments.”
The radio programme and interviews are published on www.radiowaves.co.uk where anybody can listen to them, which means that young people can be heard by their peers, parents, the community and decision makers.
Fiona adds: “It’s vital for young people to have a voice and for the Council to pay attention. I regularly listen to updates on the website to enable me to respond to their thoughts and opinions affecting my service.
“Radiowaves was a positive experience for everyone involved. The event at the Palace of Westminster was an opportunity for Ministers, MPs and policy makers to hear what the students of Hertswood School have to say about the Radiowaves project and to receive a local authority’s perspective on the project and its potential. It is hoped our input will act as a catalyst for the project to be taken up on a larger scale.
“I was a little nervous, but more excited about being given this opportunity to make a positive change, which I hope will give young people a voice in government.”