In July 2000, a cross-community media project for young people opened in Belfast city centre. Children's Express has so far attracted 40 members from all over the city, who work together, to investigate and report on issues that range from classroom discipline to sectarian violence. Here, five members of the programme write about what they have gained from their first year as young journalists.
| Because of Children’s Express, I do better at my schoolwork and I can voice my opinion a lot easier than before. |
Children's Express is so good that that young members can be found queuing outside the door before the staff have even arrived on a Saturday.
"I like it because I've met new people and it's helped me improve my self-confidence," said Amy Magowan Greene, 13.
Her brother Conor, 10, added: "I come because it's a fantastic way to learn about journalism and it also teaches you valuable life skills."
Opened in Belfast a year ago, Children's Express provides a unique opportunity for young people between the ages of eight and 18 to have their opinions heard through the media.
There are currently seven UK bureaux, including Belfast. Members get together to decide what issues affect their lives and then plan what angle their story is going to take. They do research and carry out taped interviews, and all the information is pulled together into an article, which is sold to the local and national newspapers.
As well contributing to articles to the Belfast Telegraph, recently members have had an article on growing up with the troubles published in the Irish News and another story on wheelchair access in Belfast city centre featured in the News Letter. Others have reviewed arts events live on air for BBC Radio Ulster. In the past, Children's Express Belfast members have had their work published in the Guardian and the Times.
For these young people, the opportunity to have their views taken seriously has helped them blossom in all areas of their lives.
Victoria Murray, 14, said: "It is important for young people to be heard because most of the time people only take adults' points of view into consideration, even when it's about something that affects kids."
She continued: "I get a buzz when I see my name or picture in the newspaper, and it is even better when you see yourself on TV. Because of Children's Express, I do better at my schoolwork and I can voice my opinion a lot easier than before. I have more friends and I am more confident now."
These are feelings, which are echoed time and again by members. Hugo McIlveen, 15, grew up on Loyalist Belfast estate. Last November he spent three days on retreat in England, helping to develop a new training package for Children's Express members. He has since used his new skills training Catholic and Protestant children in the art of journalism.
"Children's Express has opened up so many opportunities for me," he explained. "I am a trainer, which has helped me take responsibility and develop social and leadership skills." Just last week he was appointed editor of his school newspaper.
For Lisa Skinner, 17, Children's Express has been a springboard for participation in other youth action programmes. Earlier this month she travelled to Warrington for a conference that prepared for a United Nations Special Session on youth participation in September.
"We got together prepared presentations, had debates, asked questions and talked about the special session in September," she explained. "Twenty young people from all over the world are going to sit in front of world government representatives and talk about the problems we as young people face."
She continued: "When I was 14 years old and I would be walking down the street, I would never have thought about the place we live in, like our trees and rubbish lying about. If the council came to me and asked me to say a little bit on how I felt about this, I probably would have felt a bit threatened. And now for me to be here and doing all these brilliant things has boosted my confidence a lot."
The positive effects of Children's Express have been recognised by professional journalists. BBC Radio journalist Maggie Taggart told us: "We've all seen the wonderful publicity brochure about the Children's Express programme, but it does not really compare to the scope of the work they are doing. It offers young people a platform to express views on matters that affect their lives."
The Belfast bureau director, Tina Colclough, added: "Like most great ideas, Children's Express is a simple concept. Our young people have views and as adults we should listen and take these opinions into account."
About the team
This article was compiled by Hugo McIlveen, 15, Amy Magowan Greene, 13, Conor Magowan Greene, 10, Victoria Murray, 14, and Lisa Skinner, 17.
In a recent article in the Belfast Telegraph to mark local newspaper week, Prince Charles invited young writers to submit entries for this years Prince's Trust local reporting award. This report is being nominated by the Belfast Telegraph to go forward to the national finals.
