Namibian community radio to assess needs of its users with UNESCO support
04-02-2011 (Windhoek)
The Media and Training Centre for Health (an NGO based in South Africa) will conduct an assessment of the information needs of the listeners of Karas FM community radio in Keetmanshoop (Karas region, Namibia) from 8 to 10 of February 2011. This assessment is supported by UNESCO within its activities aimed at the promotion of community participation in sustainable development.
In order to develop a relevant training curriculum that would addresses the needs of the listeners of Karas FM, the Media and Training Centre for Health will conduct an in-depth needs assessment with all role-players, including community members. This intervention will be a multi-stakeholder partnership and will draw on the experience of other NGOs and state partners operating in Keetmanshoop.
The needs assessment will include an evaluation of technical skills, available human resources and willingness of stakeholders to assist the radio station in strengthening its volunteer programme. Furthermore, various community groups will be consulted in order to determine their needs and interests in terms of health-related topics that could be discussed on air.
Based on the findings of this assessment, the Media and Training Centre for Health will conduct a five-day training course next March in Keetmanshoop in order to assist Karas FM in developing quality programmes based on the real needs of its listeners.
This initiative lies within the framework of UNESCO's contribution towards the promotion of community participation in sustainable development through community media. It seeks the realization of the Millennium Development Goal 3 on gender equality and women’s empowerment, with special focus on media-related issues. The awareness about the rights of women and girls and the capacity to protect those rights will be increased through the forthcoming training of members of the Karas FM community radio. It is expected that this activity will contribute to enhancing sensitization on key gender inequalities within the community.
The needs assessment will include an evaluation of technical skills, available human resources and willingness of stakeholders to assist the radio station in strengthening its volunteer programme. Furthermore, various community groups will be consulted in order to determine their needs and interests in terms of health-related topics that could be discussed on air.
Based on the findings of this assessment, the Media and Training Centre for Health will conduct a five-day training course next March in Keetmanshoop in order to assist Karas FM in developing quality programmes based on the real needs of its listeners.
This initiative lies within the framework of UNESCO's contribution towards the promotion of community participation in sustainable development through community media. It seeks the realization of the Millennium Development Goal 3 on gender equality and women’s empowerment, with special focus on media-related issues. The awareness about the rights of women and girls and the capacity to protect those rights will be increased through the forthcoming training of members of the Karas FM community radio. It is expected that this activity will contribute to enhancing sensitization on key gender inequalities within the community.
Karas FM community radio© UNESCO
Related themes/countries
· Namibia
· Community Media
· Training of Media Professionals
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