Radio Chikuni Listening Clubs

The project formed 55 clubs of not less than 20 members. The Chikuni Development Education Programme (CDEP) helped identify the clubs.

110 group members, 2 from each club, were trained in the basics of communication and reporting. They were given practical lessons in technical skills for a rural producer. They were also trained in types of programmes and presentation skills and were taught how to identify programme ideas and sources. The members were put in 4 groups, each of which were trained for 5 days. Two member-representatives from each club convened internal group meetings in their clubs at which they taught their colleagues what they learned from the weeklong workshop.

ZAMSIF donated 2 wind-up solar radios to each club, as well as 5 (Sony TCM 20 DN) tape recorders and 5 (Sony ECM-907) microphones to be shared by all the clubs' members. ZAMSIF has also sponsored the airing and producation of 365 programmes of 45 minutes each by the club members. The programmes, which are called "Balongwe Ba Lusumpuko", are broadcast Monday through Friday at 4pm and 2:15pm on Saturday. Topics include HIV/AIDS, culture, conflicts between tradition and modern life, agriculture, gender, health, leadership skills, and development in rural areas.

To detail the production process, the group members get an idea, do a survey, and record the programme out in the field. The recorded tape is brought to the station where it is listened to and edited; it is sometimes supplemented by a signature tune. Caution is made not to significantly alter the producers' material as part of an effort to ensure that the views of the interviewees are expressed freely.

HIV/AIDS, Health, Agriculture, Culture, Gender, Human Rights, Education.

"The main aim was to give the community a greater capacity building in participating in Radio programmes by identifying issues of concern and make programmes on the same for themselves. This was to enhance listener's talk about issues they would like to be listening to on Radio."