Haiti: UNESCO supports establishment of new radio for Cap Rouge community
Situated almost 900 meters above the sea, 45 minutes from the southern city of Jacmel, Cap Rouge takes its name from its reddish soil. Suddenly, arriving at a plateau, one comes upon a small square house with naked walls and a long antenna pointing toward the fluffy clouds. This antenna marks the premises of a new community radio station, VEDEK FM, launched in January 2011 with the support of UNESCO.
Inside the recording studio Emmanuel Avril, a young student, cannot hide his emotion in front of the brand new microphone. The radio is broadcasting for the first time. “Good morning to all inhabitants of Cap Rouge! Vedek FM is here for the population of Cap Rouge but also for the whole country. This is the voice of the development of Cap Rouge. The frequency is 104.4 FM. If you have something you want to say on the air, call this number: 9017603.” After his broadcast Emmanuel explains with enthusiasm that his aim is to help promote local agricultural production, a preoccupation shared by many young people participating in the community radio.