Children on the Radio!: An Exciting Programme in Mozambique

Abstract

In 1994 and 1995 in recognition of the educational potential of the radio in terms of health information UNICEF installed new powerful transmitters in all the provincial stations in Mozambique. Training was also provided for radio personnel to participate in a project for health education for children. The children themselves participated in the design and production of radio programs. Five workshops were held in Quelimane Beira Chimoio and Nampula and radio broadcasters were invited to attend. For each workshop the radio station had been asked to find 2 children to participate for each adult attending. The number of participants varied between 5 to 10 adults and 8 to 15 children. The workshops aimed to improve: childrens health childrens radio the amount of good health education in childrens radio and adult awareness of the needs and interests of children. The main health problems in the community were identified and prevention and treatment were described. Various forms of radio transmission and programs were also discussed: interviews discussion drama music stories songs quizzes and jokes. The translation of large sections of the Child-to-Child Resource Book was done by UNICEF to provide adequate knowledge for the children on each topic. Then they were asked to work in groups of 6-8 people (adults and children together) choose a health area from the community and produce a 15-minute radio program on it. Some excellent programs were produced in each province. Subject areas such as diarrhea malaria accidents street children acute respiratory infections nutrition and road safety were covered. A follow-up workshop allowed for some evaluation. Listeners sent several hundred letters about the program 99% of which commended the improvement achieved.