Marking World Radio Day in South Africa
Feb 13 is World Radio Day, a day set aside ‘to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters.’
Ahead of the day, a high school in Khayelitsha, Cape Town launched its own radio station with a team of 11 youth reporters who have developed their skills in the areas of research, interviewing and content production thanks to work from the Children’s Radio Foundation (CRF).
This is in a country where radio is still the most important broadcast medium and where younger people can struggle to get their opinions aired.
CRF executive director, Mike Rahfaldt explained: “High school radio gets young people speaking about the issues that affect them, and reflects their own experiences and those of their communities. We are hoping that COSAT will be the first of many high school radio schools across South Africa to launch their own station.”
But if you’re reading this thinking, ‘so far, so ordinary’ for High School radio, think again:
This is a place where almost half of the population live in shacks.
Where the average ANNUAL household income is just 14,600 Rands (£633.48).
More data about the neighbourhood can be found here.
The teenage reporters talk to their school community about a range of issues including challenging topics such as teenage pregnancy and xenophobia. With their new station, they hope to foster expression, healthy debate, and a sense of connection in their communities.
They include Kuhle Speelman,17, who started working with the Optimistic Youth Reporters when he was 15.
“I’ve learned to value a person’s opinion more than the answer that you think you are going to get. Respect his opinion and have patience with that person.”
Principal at COSAT Mrs Phadiela Cooper added: “The students who are part of the Children’s Radio Foundation’s project have become so confident. It has just been such a wonderful eye opener for me, to see how these kids have grown.”
