The County Press is working hard to champion youth voices, and I've found that out through personal experience, being part of the Young Reporter scheme.
On Friday, January 19, the Island VI Form uploaded an Instagram post announcing their involvement with the Young Reporter scheme.
Initially, my college, Christ the King College, was the only school to embark on the course - joining both the four-month course in early 2023 and the eight-month course that is currently ongoing. I have taken part in both.
I spoke to Rebecca Beeney, a Young Reporter at Christ the King College, who was also glad to see the Isle of Wight represented more diversely.
She told me: “There are so many schools on the mainland which are taking part in the scheme, so it's great to see multiple schools on the Island represent our input.”
Moreover, on Monday, January 15, the County Press editors, Lori Little and Lucy Morgan, invited the newspaper’s avid readers to discuss its features.
They made sure they included students across the Island, and I was one of them. Another student was Ethan Wenham, who, like me, is also an Isle of Wight Youth Councillor.
It is no surprise the topic of youth voice was prevalent!
The two youth councillors urged the County Press to include young people’s work in their printed publications. You'll actually see evidence of that on page 53 this week, as well as in this column!
We shared our ideas, including an IW Youth Council chair’s column, similar to the MP’s or the Isle of Wight Council leader’s column, to represent the views of local adolescents and share youth councillor activities.
Ethan, who attends the Island VI Form, emphasised the importance of youth voice within journalism.
He said: “Consulting young people is essential to provide a fresh perspective on issues. Our voices are often silenced but are always there, as we quietly make our points. Journalism is an opportunity for these to be shared.”
As a Young Reporter myself, it was a privilege to be invited to the County Press's readers' panel.
It hugely exemplified how the editors are eager to prioritise youth voice, as Lori and Lucy responded positively to our input.
I wholly agree with the comments made by Ethan, as the Young Reporter scheme has always been a fantastic way of sharing the incredible projects our local youth embarks on.
More specifically, as a woman of colour, I am proud to represent the increasing ethnic culture and diversity on the Isle of Wight.
After the scheme finalises in April, I hope to continue to support the County Press by whatever means possible.
Two of the Young Reporters are spending time in the County Press newsroom in Pyle Street this week, during half term.
One of them is Ethan, who spent two days working alongside the reporters in their office.
He said: "My work experience at the County Press was incredibly eventful and thoroughly enjoyable.
"I was given invaluable experience in the field of court reporting and roving journalism that I wouldn't otherwise be able to obtain from elsewhere.
"In addition to that, the experience allowed me to add to my portfolio of articles and allowed them to get to a wider audience than would've otherwise been possible with the Young Reporter scheme."
