Budding journalists produce youth magazine

SEVEN budding young RGS journalists are producing an innovative monthly magazine aimed at students.

The Green Thoughts publication covers a wide range of topics, including politics, current affairs and mental health, with articles in the first edition on everything from exam revision tips to festival news, fast fashion and relaxing hobbies.

Marketing director Chola Malama said it would provide a platform for students: “Created for and by young people, our magazine aims to break down barriers, challenge stigma and inspire action.

“We are committed to giving youth a voice, helping them navigate today’s world with confidence, and creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and empowered to shape their future,” she said.

The Young Enterprise team, which has already persuaded a number of local businesses to commit to advertising in their magazine, began fundraising in October, holding a bake sale and a movie night to raise the money they needed to get their business started.

Managing director Aria Writer said: "We feel passionate about our cause and feel this project has real promise so that really contributes to our enthusiasm.

"We're also looking to incorporate articles written by other people and as well as doing interviews, we'll be running poetry and photography competitions and have quizzes."

Currently developing a website, they began work on the publication in January: “Our team's interests are very diverse, which is reflected through the magazine since it covers topics which appeal to our age group,” added Chola.

It involved a lot of collaboration and communication between the team, she said.

They are now in discussions with local printers to produce hard copy versions of the magazine, which they hope to sell for between £2 and £3 per copy, with online copies at a significantly discounted price.

Green Thoughts aims to be environmentally friendly: "We are trying to find the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of producing the magazine, including using recycled paper," said Aria.

The team is preparing for the area round of the Young Enterprise competition, usually held in March, where they will be competing for a place in the regional round.

Visit the Green Thoughts Instagram account here: greenthoughts_rgs.

*The Young Enterprise Scheme, backed by volunteers from local companies, provides young people aged 15-19 years old with the opportunity to set up and run their own business while they are still at school.

The Green Thoughts team

Managing director- Aria Writer

Administration director- Leora Zucker

Operations director- Antonia Price

Marketing director-Chola Malama

Sales director-Jenny He

Finance director- Tiggy Munyard

Human resources director- Amelia Collingwood-Cooper