Radio magazine show unravels youth issues

The Children First project funded by USAid, recently partnered with a local communications company to pioneer a radio magazine programme entitled Young People aimed at fostering dialogue amongst the youth



The show will discuss a range of topics that are of interest to Zimbabwean youth from the ages of about 15 to 35.
Some of the topics that will be featured in the programme include education, employment, unemployment, youth empowerment, politics, youth leadership, health, sex and puberty, relationships, religion, career guidance, music and culture.

Children First’s director Susan Kajura said that information targeted at young people in country was fragmented and not always accessible.

She said she hoped the show, supported with a youth call centre, would create a one-stop-shop for the young to get information they may be looking for on a range of issues.

“Potentially, the show will have a huge impact on the youth and we hope to involve more youth organisations and programmes in a non-partisan way,” said Kajura.

For the premiere show young people called in and sent messages on some of the topics they want discussed on the show. Most of the topics were related to relationships.

Overall, the questions asked by young people during the 30-minute radio broadcast revealed how young people today have many questions they need answered.

The show is currently hosted by well known broadcaster, Hugo Ribatika and Hazvinei Sakarombe, aka DJ Chilli.

“We believe that every young person has the capacity to grow into a valuable member of this community. We believe in the goodness of the older generation and their ability to direct young people towards accomplishment,” Ribatika said.

The show incorporates a segment called “5 Minutes of Fame” where a prominent or influential young person is featured on the show.

According to the presenters, listeners will be invited to come onto the show and have their moment on air.

The debut show’s “5 Minutes of Fame” featured a local artist and musician, Prayersoul, who performed one of his songs on air.

According to the organisers, the show will be expanded to reach out to a wider audience across Zimbabwe, and it will be presented in vernacular languages.