Designed to get young people more involved in shaping government policies, the website - Youth Vibes - is 'by youth, for youth'.

The website has grown out of the successful student ambassador programme launched by REACH, an acronym for Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home, in Feb last year.

Youth Vibes will include feature stories and journal articles by young people, and allow participants to blog, discuss issues and make comments.

'Through (Youth Vibes), we hope to cultivate a participative citizenry from young and kick-start their interest in affecting changes in the community they live in,' said REACH's chairman Dr Amy Khor.

Kwan Jin Yao, 17, an editorial member of the website, is part of a group of young people who will keep the website updated and relevant.

'We hope young people can come in here to make constructive criticism. Unlike other forums where a lot of discussions are lost, there will be follow-up here,' said the Hwa Chong Institution student.

Feedback collected from discussions on the site will regularly be sent to appropriate organisations including government departments.

'If they give their views and opinions and there are good ideas, I am sure the relevant agencies will take it up,' said Dr Khor.

The launch of the website was combined with an appreciation lunch for REACH contributors.

Among them was 19-year-old national serviceman Soh Yi Da.

Mr Soh has been giving feedback to REACH and its predecessor, the feedback unit, for the last five years. He also initiated his own school feedback symposium.

Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.