 |
|
In an effort to provide information about health care and other issues to Africans, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has started making daily radio broadcasts in English and French to that continent.
Donna Niemann, staff director for the radio program, said the broadcasts began Jan. 1 and are expected to continue indefinitely.
Produced in New York and shipped to Germany for broadcast, the short-wave radio programs are targeted to eastern and southern Africa. But listeners in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States also have commented on the programs. "We've gotten some very nice, positive responses," Niemann added.
Called "Perspectives," the daily radio magazine program is broadcast in English at the frequency 15.485 kHz (noon Eastern Standard Time) and in French at the frequency 11.775 kHz (11 p.m. EST). Each two-hour program includes about 40 minutes of music, informational segments and interviews. Also included are public service announcements produced by United Methodist Communications on such issues as alcohol, drugs and cigarette smoking.
A major goal of the program is to provide educational information about HIV/AIDS, but that is being done gradually, according to Niemann. While some segments deal directly with the disease – such as dispelling myths about AIDS – others focus more on maintaining good health.
To strengthen the connection to Africa, Niemann works with a journalist from Gabon who serves as a full-time volunteer. They have interviewed African bishops and are looking for stringers from the continent. "We want to have African voices," she said.
The Board of Global Ministries is helping supply radios to some of its audience. Made by Freeplay Corp., the wind-up radios – which also can be solar-powered – require no electricity or batteries. In Mozambique, for example, Freeplay donated 1,000 radios, while the board purchased another 2,000 radios from Freeplay's factory in Capetown, South Africa. The United Methodist Committee on Relief contributed another 2,000 radios and members of the United Methodist Church there helped deliver the radios to various villages.
More information about the Board of Global Ministries radio
program is available by e-mailing Niemann at radio@gbgm-umc.org
URL: http://gbgm-umc.org/news/2001/jan/radiobm.stm