Radio’s Star Still Bright – Nepal

As in Timor-Leste, Search has used radio in Nepal, especially to reach children and young people. 

Nepal 

Young journalists interview Radhika Kumaraswami, Special Representative of Secretary-General of the United Nations on Children and Armed Conflict

SFCG-Nepal recently completed the last phase of its “Radio for Reconciliation and Reintegration: Children’s Voices” project in partnership with Antenna Foundation. The project, started in 2007, used a children-produced radio program, Sunau Bolau (“Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen”) to promote conditions that facilitate the reintegration of children used in armed groups and to protect the rights of conflict-affected children. 

SFCG-Nepal and the Antenna Foundation collaborated with local FM stations to select young people, aged 11-18 from diverse backgrounds, to be trained as youth journalists. Professional radio producers were also selected for the training and to help serve as mentors for the youth. The program started with 15 child journalists from 3 districts and expanded to include 29 child journalists from 15 districts. 

Through a multi-phased process, the young journalists and adult producers were trained in the Common Ground approach and in using radio for peacebuilding and social change. Their innovative reports were aired on 30 FM stations throughout the country, covering issues such as child marriage, the reintegration of child combatants, the problems faced by disabled children, the problems children face when a parent is in prison. The programs provided young people with a platform to contribute to the peace process. In addition, SFCG-Nepal produced print materials for youth clubs, created discussion guides and a drama cassette, and presented awards for children contributing to Sunau Bolau. 

Through this program, young journalists gained confidence and improved their communications and analytical skills, and gained recognition for their contribution. As the project comes to an end, we are gratified that most of the young journalists continue to produce the programs on their own, with support from their local radio stations, thanks to the popularity of the programs in local communities. 

Doing big things in Rwanda too!