Soul Beat Africa
African development action with informed and engaged societies
Soul Beat Africa
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Wize up! Your Decisions, Your Life Campaign - Swaziland

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Wize Up, organised by Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication in Swaziland, challenges young people to take control of their health and start thinking and talking about their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Organised around a multi-part radio talk show, the campaign also organises community events and encourages online discussions.

Communication Strategies

The Wize up! Your decision, Your Life radio programmes are designed to get people communicating about SRHR issues in their lives and to take action. The show is presented by Hleli Luhlanga, Director of Swaziland Young Women’s Network (SYWON), who brings her knowledge of SRHR issues to help spark discussion and debate. Broadcast on Swaziland Broadcasting and Information (SBIS), she is joined by celebrities Wilton "Jazzy" Mamba on SBIS2 and Senzo Malaza on SBIS1. Each show includes invited guest experts who provide information and advice on the issue discussed in the programme. There is discussion and debate with live guests and interaction with listeners over the phone and via text messages.

Episodes look at such topics as understanding sexuality and the changes young people go through when growing up, the role of teachers and parents in SRHR education, how to deal with sexual debut, and being prepared to make informed decisions about sexuality and when to have sex. The programme topics have included the following.

  • Understanding Sexuality
  • Delaying Sexual Debut
  • Condom Use and Safe Sex
  • Unplanned Pregnancies
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Role of Parents I
  • Role of Parents II
  • Role of Teachers
  • Role of the Media
  • Peer Influences
  • How to be a good friend
  • Human Rights and HIV
  • Wrap Up and Youth Pledges

Click here to download the programmes in English and siSwati.

To complement the radio programmes, Lusweti organises community events with young local musicians and entertainers.

People are also encouraged to learn more and interact with the campaign through the Wize up! Campaign facebook page.

Development Issues

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV/AIDS, Youth

Key Points

Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication is a non-governmental organisation in Swaziland dedicated to the creation and provision of social behaviour change communication programmes. Lusweti focuses on ensuring that the majority of people in the country practice positive behaviours with respect to HIV/AIDS, health and development.

The radio programme was created after Lusweti conducted research into the subject of SRHR for young people and found a lack of sexuality information for the youth, a lack of communication on sexuality in families, and a lack of access and use of SRH services by youth.

Partners

Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication

Sources

Lusweti website on March 27 2013.