Upstart, the paper for the youth by the youth, is a youth newspaper project based at Grocott's Mail. The project began in 2007 when newspaper clubs were established amongst Grade 8, 9 and 10 learners in the historically disadvantaged high schools In Grahamstown. The project started as a way of responding to the low levels of literacy which was evident in school performance and the poor matric pass rate. With the assistance of Rhodes University Journalism students, workshops were held with the learners to identify social issues that affect the youth and in this way material was generated for the first edition of Upstart. By the second edition, published in September 2008, the newspaper clubs had grown to include learners from the former Model C schools.

The aims of the project are to promote a culture of literacy, reading and writing; to develop a newspaper reading and general reading culture amongst youth and to foster inter-school communication in order to break down barriers and develop leadership skills amongst the Grahamstown youth.

Upstart newspaper clubs meet on a weekly basis to discuss issues and generate content material for the newspaper. Regular workshops run by experts are held at newspaper clubs. Some of the issues discussed recently include HIV/AIDS, diet and lifestyle and issues of body image. 20 Grade 10 learners recently attended a 3-day training camp to enable them to become HIV/AIDS peer mentors. As part of the general mentoring programme, guests are invited to speak at Upstart newspaper clubs about their chosen careers and answer the questions learners have regarding career choices. Reading clubs, run with the assistance of Rhodes University student volunteers, have also been formed at some of the schools as way to achieve the aim of building a culture of reading. Almost all Upstart members have joined the Grahamstown public library.

Upstart does not have secure funding and any donation will be gladly accepted.

Email: upstart@grocotts.co.za or shireen.badat@ru.ac.za
Tel: 046 6226277