The programme is an initiative of the community radio station with main sponsor UNESCO coming on board to fund the pilot project which has so far been broadcast live from Haile Selassie High (Payne Land), Penwood Secondary (Olympic Way) and Vauxhall Secondary (Windward Road).

The “School Rap” series is part of ROOTS FM’s mission to use radio as a social development tool to empower inner-city residents to take responsibility for their own destinies by pursuing talents, building entrepreneurial skills and developing a spirit of co-operation within communities.

The focus on students comes as a result of recent statistics that consistently show an abnormally high percentage of youth involved in risky and hazardous behaviour including drug abuse and various forms of violence including murder.

The programme format includes motivational talks from corporate personalities who have successfully fought the odds despite humble beginnings; presentations on career opportunities through the HEART Trust and various professional bodies, self expressions during which students display their talents in the performing arts, as well as interviews with students who have excelled in any area of school life.

Students at Vauxhall Secondary School

Contact

Isidro Fernandez Aballi, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it UNESCO Office in Kingston
Alton Grizzle, UNESCO Office in Kingston
Rosamond Brown