Right Track seeks to engage with young people through programs that work to their interests and offer a collaborative way to build skills and impart targeted safety messages. Through youth consultation it was identified that there was a desire for a program which uses music to involve young people in messages of safety and respect.
The Hip Hop program was created to offer an opportunity for young people to participate in an engaging and interactive program which helps to prevent anti-social behaviour around the public transport network and to build positive relationships with Transit Officers, some of whom are also Hip Hop artists.
The program delivery is flexible and adaptable to the needs of the students. Previously it has been delivered in a two week program focused on lyric writing; a six week immersive program, linked to the curriculum resulting in a music video; or a one-off workshop structure if time is limited.
Girls Academy group leader Tara Morrison said the program had had a noticeable effect on the students, particularly how often they went to school.
“The program’s impact on attendance was great,” she said. “One of the students was on 25 to 30 per cent attendance last term and she’s now on 72 per cent.
“I think hip hop works because it’s out there in society, you see it on TV and the kids feel they can relate and better express how they feel through hip hop rather than just speaking with somebody.”
Contact us to discuss how a Hip Hop program could benefit your students.