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Chicago students talk to the world

Ros Atkins Ros Atkins | 15:00 UK time, Tuesday, 5 December 2006

Gage Park HS in Chicago

This week the is broadcasting lots of programmes dedicated to understanding and exploring the world through the eyes of under-18s. We're calling it - you'll have heard the phrase a lot if you're a regular listener. And the main event of Generation Next is happening tomorrow. It's called (lots of names to remember I know) and we're in to add WHYS's contribution.

I am writing to you from one of the many computers in the library of . Outside snow which fell several days ago is still gleaming brightly (it's breakingly cold so not going anywhere), and inside most of the kids are in for the first class of the morning - in fact the bell is ringing as I write so that must mean things are under way.

We're teaming up with a great show on called for a special broadcast tomorrow. We're not normally heard in Chicago (apart from those of you keen enough to listen online) so it's a great chance to hear from the people of the city as well for you to speak to them.

The presenter of Worldview is Jerome McDonnell but I'm hoping you don't hear too much of either me or him. We'll have 25 kids from Gage Park running the show tomorrow and we've every intention of letting them choose our talking points and boss the programme. As you'll see below, they've already been posting.

Not just Chicago

We've also got students in Mexico, the West Bank and Liberia ready to part so this definitely isn't a Chicago-only show. If you're under 18 and want to join everyone on the show, wherever you are do drop us an email and we'll get back to you.

And if like me, 18 seems like a painfully distant memory - what question would you like to ask children around the world?

I should also give special thanks to the staff in the canteen here who, having spotted me wandering into their kitchen looking hungry, took pity on me and produced not only eggs and bacon but also pancakes and maple syrup - this all despite the canteen being shut. I remember most of the dinner ladies at school being pretty scary - not so here it seems.

I'd also like to thank the bar tender last night who asked me if I was over 21. It made my day.

Right that's my thank yous over. Speak to you tomorrow.

Over to the students:

Hi, it's Anna here - we've just finished our meeting with the senior students of Gage Park who will be the stars of the programme tomorrow. After the initial fears of the microphone subsided, we found they were an incredibly lively and articulate bunch, and they have plenty they want to talk about.

Markell kicked off with a suggestion we discuss the issue of overcrowding in schools. There are 48 people in his gym class he told us, when there should be more like 28 or 30. Jerome, our guest presenter from Chicago Public Radio (or host as he is more used to being called!) asked if it was anything to do with property taxes in the area, and the issue of Charter schools was raised. If you replace the term property taxes with council tax and Charter schools with specialist schools, it sounds like a common debate in the UK. But will it strike chords around the world?

Porcia wanted to ask children from the other schools around the world how their countries government systems compared to America's, whilst Kenneth wanted to compare crime rates. Ros reminded the students that the point of our programme isn't to talk statistics, but asking the question "How does crime affect you?" would work really well.

The war in Iraq cropped up - Jose brought up the subject, he believes it's time for America to leave. Ros brought up the fact the Baker Report's findings will be made public just two hours before the show goes on air, so it is likely to get a mention.

As the students formed groups, the girls I spoke to really wanted to talk about immigration. Gloria wanted to ask how people feel about the South American border being built, and is it a waste of money? Cynthia felt immigration affected a lot of people and was very touched by a story she saw on the news of a family who died trying to find a better life for themselves in a new country.

Abortion seemed like a popular topic, a passionate mixture of opinions came out of the chat on that. And when Florence told us that her family dissaprove of her dating boys who are not African-American, we felt we hit on a really interesting talking point which got the students going. Could inter-race dating be part of the programme?

Please post a comment and tell us what you think should make it on the programme. Were you part of today's session at Gage Park High School? Have you thought of any more ideas since you left the library? Post away....!

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