THE National Youth Association recently reported that of every 60 minutes of a child's life, only nine minutes are spent in school. It's encouraging to note that 51 minutes are open for us to educate and inspire children outside of the classroom.

Youth organisations such as Scouts are an important forum in which to communicate with and encourage children, as these environments are more informal, meaning that children are likely to be more receptive.

This summer, over 40,000 Scouts from all over the world are at the 21st World Scout Jamboree where, over eight days, Scouts will work towards developing life skills.

Launched by Prince William on July 27, at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Scouts are taking part in a number of activities where they can explore different cultures, reflect on global issues and challenges facing the global community and learn how to re-use everyday materials and about the impact recycling has on the environment.

As part of these activities, BT will demonstrate how new digital technologies, together with traditional communication, can give young people a voice, in particular through the new, BT Scout Tube.

Our stand on the Global Development Boulevard isl hosting drama performances every 15 minutes showcasing to Scouts how to effectively get their point across.

Learning how to communicate well is, we believe, the number one skill for young people. In addition, groups of roving reporters' will interview Scouts all over the Jamboree asking them what their most memorable experience of Scouting is.

Each interview will be uploaded onto the BT Scout Tube website (www.btscouttube.com) where they will be available for the world to view. The importance of utilising the idea of video sharing sites, such as YouTube, to launch BT Scout Tube is instrumental in connecting with children of this age, and it is imperative that we support the development of this new manner of communication.

I urge you to log onto www.btscouttube.com to view the Scouts in action and support their development of good communication skills.

DAVE HANCOCK, head of education and volunteering, BT.