To me, there is still a distinct difference between reading a book or the paper, compared to getting news on the computer, ipad, or iphone. It may be environmentally sound, yet, the tangibility of getting world news on paper is irreplaceable. And so what about the present generation of youth? Will they not know the sense of empowerment that is possible from browsing the daily paper?
In Paris, François Dufour, a successful entrepreneur in the field of education founded 'Mon Quotidien,' or My Daily, a newspaper for 10-14 year olds. The newspaper was started in 1995, and within three years circulation had reached over 50,000 copies. The paper's success allowed them to branch out with two more papers, one for 7-10 year-olds and another for 14-17 year-olds. There are a few full time adult staff, but everyday a group of preadolescents sit around a table and discuss content. The paper boasts interesting, quirky, and positive happenings that both appeal to and inspire youth. It also has games, cartoons and headlines.
There is something very clever and unique about this approach in our specific era. The fact that youth are being engaged in the formation of the daily paper means that it will be relevant to the targeted audience. Also, too many youth in too many nations are not participating in civic affairs and therefore are not developing a sense of responsibility or stake in global matters. We cannot afford to have uninformed citizens anymore. So I applaud François in using the money he made in the early 90's in such an encouraging way. Although numbers of French citizens who buy newspapers is diminishing, it seems that parents still value the substance of a good paper for their kids. Ah bon!
In Paris, François Dufour, a successful entrepreneur in the field of education founded 'Mon Quotidien,' or My Daily, a newspaper for 10-14 year olds. The newspaper was started in 1995, and within three years circulation had reached over 50,000 copies. The paper's success allowed them to branch out with two more papers, one for 7-10 year-olds and another for 14-17 year-olds. There are a few full time adult staff, but everyday a group of preadolescents sit around a table and discuss content. The paper boasts interesting, quirky, and positive happenings that both appeal to and inspire youth. It also has games, cartoons and headlines.
There is something very clever and unique about this approach in our specific era. The fact that youth are being engaged in the formation of the daily paper means that it will be relevant to the targeted audience. Also, too many youth in too many nations are not participating in civic affairs and therefore are not developing a sense of responsibility or stake in global matters. We cannot afford to have uninformed citizens anymore. So I applaud François in using the money he made in the early 90's in such an encouraging way. Although numbers of French citizens who buy newspapers is diminishing, it seems that parents still value the substance of a good paper for their kids. Ah bon!
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