12/12/08 Radio Debate/Education By Choice

Friday morning saw us return to Education By Choice, the purpose being to discuss and record attitudes regarding racial issues. The students were invited to ask any questions to our musicians, Donald (Zimbadwe), Chris (Poland), Skye (S.Africa), Binu (India), Darren (local). The meeting was chaired by Zora (Connecting Cultures). The kids went straight for the 'jugular', first question; do you smoke dope? This developed into a very interesting conversation. Different cultures have obviously different attitudes to the use of recreational drugs. The questions started to come thick and fast. Donald was asked had he suffered any racism since moving to Belfast. He informed the group that he had been beaten up recently on the Newtownards Rd. Surprisingly, he now finds himself living in the area. The discussion lasted approximately one hour, give or take a smoke break!!! The show will be broadcasted in the near future (Homely Planet). This was a great opportunity to take away some of the 'mystery" regarding diversity, one which the young people took full advantage of. Many thanks for taking part.

5/12/08 Education By Choice

Today we brought a team of muso's (sorry Tessa) into Education by Choice. Decks were set up, recording equipment plugged in and off we went. Scratching commenced (including some head scratching), rapping began (not christmas pressies) and the volume increased. The session lasted approximately two hours and at the end of it we had collected quite a lot of material. The next step is to have it mixed and the end result could be the Christmas number one, (no pressure Ganesh). Thanks to everyone who took part. See you all again next week. Davy