Students hit the airwaves

YOUNGSTERS have been making waves as live radio DJs.

Year Ten students at Wingfield Business and Enterprise College took part in the Redroad Music Project which saw them research and write their own radio shows.

Redroad FM is a youth radio station and the project involved creating content for the show by investigating issues that affect young people as well as developing their own playlists and recording and editing their own ads.

The six-week project culminated in a two-hour live radio broadcast on the youth radio station.

It was organised by Turning the Corner, a youth project funded by the BIG Lottery Fund and delivered by Groundwork Dearne Valley.

The initiative aims to build relationships between young people and businesses by encouraging them to work together on community projects.

There were a number of challenges involved speaking live on air, teamwork, processing information and writing their own scripts.

Carole Foster, TTC outreach worker for Groundwork Dearne Valley, said that the project was a success.

She said: “The Redroad Music Project gave the young people an opportunity to try something new and to test their skills as the next Chris Moyles alongside professionals from Redroad FM.

“As a result of the project, the young people have demonstrated an increase in confidence and in literacy, in turn this has had a positive impact on both their written and verbal communication skills.

“Since the project came to an end, all of the young people involved have said they felt more comfortable with team working.”

Trevor Grossett, business development manager at volunteer-based station Redroad FM, which is part of Rotherham Borough Council's youth service, added: “The young people involved in the project were excellent and it was a real pleasure to work with them.

“As well as enhancing their skills in communications and teamwork, which they can put into practice in everyday life, they also gained an Asdan Activities Award qualification in the process.”

Naheen Hussein (15), was involved in the Redroad Music Project and said that it allowed him to express himself.

He said: “I really enjoyed learning how to become a DJ.

“It was good to pick our own music and talk about things that interest young people live on air.”

For further information about TTC projects in Dearne Valley contact Carole Foster on 01226 740 077 or email carole.fosterground work.org.uk.