Published on the IWPR website.
Radio, like print, requires little basic equipment, and most radio programs can be produced fairly cheaply. But even inexpensive digital recorders, computers and mixers can be difficult to afford for a radio station in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On my last trip to the Kivus I visited Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, to sign a contract with a new radio partner. Although the radio RTNC Bukavu is supposed to be funded by the Congolese state, it has to rely on external donors to finance and modernise its equipment. Salaries are not always paid.
Typical of Congolese humour, the only computer attributed to the editorial team had been renamed “secrétaire de rédaction” (in most Western radio station that would be an actual person), but apparently la secrétaire was on leave that day: the computer would not start…
Fortunately they had found an intern…
One of the main goals of the IWPR project in DRC is to develop the capacities -both human and material- of local radio stations. We train reporters to give them the necessary skills for the production of balanced reports on human rights issues, but we also provide equipments for the stations, in order to improve the quality of their reports from a technical point of view. There is no use producing an interesting report if the sound is inaudible.
In the studio
Bukavu is an incredible city sprawling on the hills surrounding the lake. You constantly have to walk up and down, but sometimes you get the most wonderful views.
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Nice pic.
Gone through the article. Indeed commendable that in a country where atrocities against women is a regular phenomenon, IWPR is imparting professional skills to the fairer sex surpassing all odds. Hope such small but effective steps will ensure economic empowerment for the young ladies in DRC
I hope so too Seema! At least, it is making a difference for the few female journalists we work with. And I am making incredible friends
In Bukavu DR Congo popular radio sketch artists who are paid little to nothing for their work are catching the attention of advertisers thanks to their growing notoriety. It is by lending their voices to advertising spots that they are able to make a living but sometimes the line between the two activities is blurred..The comic Roi Djadja is loved by listeners for his sketches on Radio Maendeleo. It is thanks to the publicity work he does for several local shops on radio and on television that he is able to support his family.
Hi Dale, thanks for your comment. Are you in DRC? I looked at your website, saw you write fiction. You should have a look at “Das Experiment” http://melaniegouby.com/das-experiment/ and tell us what you think!