Assistance to Community Radios
The main problems confronting Haitian community media are a lack of equipment; high cost of internet access in Haiti; the poverty of the communities; insufficient problem of electricity supply, especially in remote areas; training of young coordinators; and the lack of legislation on community media. The development and strengthening of a network of community radios in remote regions of the country would contribute to the creation of a pluralist society and to fostering equal access to information. Such a network would therefore constitute an essential and effective strategy for achieving this goal. Strengthening a network of community radios in Haiti would contribute to stabilising the country by strengthening bonds within the community and involving youth in various community-radio and multimediacentre activities. Improving access to information in these communities, and giving individuals an opportunity to exercise their right to freedom of expression by means of a community radio, will contribute to restoring a calm and neighbourly climate in a country that is emerging from a crisis. To strengthen the process of developing a network of community radios, this project will upgrade the community multimedia centres (CMCs) at three community radios; organize training sessions for young people at the community radio stations and CMC; strengthen bonds within the community through the training of young CMC coordinators; and conduct a range of promotional and awareness-raising activities on the draft bill currently being examined in Parliament.
The project's aim was to increase the communication and information capacities of marginalized or disasterstricken communities by reinforcing CMCs and establishing radios in isolated regions or those most affected by the earthquake. It addresses a very strong demand on behalf of the youth in these communities to master modern communication methods and participate in information processes in the community. Component 1 of the project was successfully completed despite a delay of several-months due to political unrest, cyclone Thomas and the cholera epidemic. The mid-term report submitted to the UNESCO Haiti Bureau has been approved. The final report is to be provided in March. Component 2 of the project has not yet been launched because of the slow pace of the procedures with the Haitian authorities to deliver broadcasting frequencies for two mobile radios.