Celebrating youthful success, voicing the concerns of young people, profiling student achievers are the goals of the Young Observer.

The weekly section, published every Thursday, focuses on young people across the island under the age of 18, and the aim is for the articles to be about young people by young people.

To that end, The Royal Gazette has initiated a student reporter programme encouraging young writers to explore the range of writing opportunities in the world of journalism: news articles, in-depth profiles, feature articles, "man in the street" interviews, even a gardening column. Student reporter Nalani Dowling noted: "Although being a student reporter is sometimes challenging and time consuming, there are a lot more good things about it.

"For example you can get a good experience with writing and you can understand what it feels like to interview someone. You can meet new people and you can develop good social skills as well."

Currently there are six young people writing on a regular basis as well as several other students who have contributed occasional pieces, and there is the opportunity for more young writers to join the team.

Regular student reporters are encouraged to write one article a month, approximately 500 words in length.

The topic can be the reporter's own suggestion, with the approval of the programme's supervisor, Jennifer Hind, or can be chosen from several suggestions made by Mrs. Hind.

Events are covered, or interviews set up, photographs arranged, and articles submitted by an agreed deadline.

Depending on the nature of the assignment, reporters may have several days or several weeks to complete the assignment, which is published under a by line that recognises the reporter and his or her school.

Assignments may take a student reporter to a festival or fair, an art camp or the opening of Youth Parliament.

They may provide the opportunity to meet interesting young people from different schools or get to know students in their own school better.

They can also be used for IGCSE English Language coursework — meeting two goals at once.

Over the course of the year student reporters build up a portfolio of writing that can be included in college or university applications.

At the moment there is no lower age limit, and though most reporters are middle or high school students, upper primary students are also welcome.

Young people interested in writing for Young Observer should contact Jennifer Hind at 278-0136 or jhindroyalgazette.bm.