Making a Difference

Investing in Children and Young People

The Hack Pack Scores Lots of Hits

Lack of an effective voice is often cited as one of the main reasons for young people not getting actively involved in their communities.

The Moray Hack Pack was formed in July last year with the aim of developing young people's journalistic skills to write content for the Young Scot youth information portal.  17 young people were recruited from across Moray to take part in the project and undergo Hack Pack training delivered by Dialogue Youth staff.  Participants were trained in initially in presentation skills, interviewing techniques and graphic design as well as how to promote the site.  Further training sessions covered confidence and team building and planning and evaluation skills.

The group meets bi-monthly during term time and plans for upcoming events and administrative tasks, and, in their own time, write articles to include on the portal.  The impact of the Hack Pack and the portal is reflected in the increase in monthly page hits from 750 to over 5550 in over a year.  The number of young people registered on the portal has risen from ten to over 500.  Eight Hack Pack participants have now gathered enough hours for a bronze MV award and two have now completed their silver award.

The Young Scot Moray portal has been hailed as a success not just in Moray, but is used as an example of good practice for the whole of Scotland during national training sessions.

"I have been able to learn web journalism skills and how to run for election.  If editor training is offered, I will take part."

"I hope to develop my skills in journalism as I am going to do an English degree in the hope of becoming a teacher and I think this will help."