Sierra Leone children, recovering from Ebola, make radio programmes

June 2015

We are delighted to announce that our educational radio programme Pikin To Pikin Tok was approved by the Sierra Leone government last month and has now aired on radio channels in the eastern part of the country. The government was so happy with the quality and inclusiveness of the radio pilot, that they have asked for the programmes to be broadcast nationally. They have additionally requested a particular focus on teenage pregnancy, rates of which have grown exponentially since the outbreak of the Ebola virus. 

After Ebola struck in March 2014 we redesigned the early childhood and life skills education project that we were running in Kailahun District since September 2011, so that it could be delivered using radio. Radio is a very popular medium in Sierra Leone and one which does not require public gatherings which may increase the likelihood of people catching Ebola.

The fundamental principle underpinning the redesigned project is that marginalised children and young people in Kailahun District are given a voice through this powerful medium.

Listen to extracts from the programmes here

The aim is to inspire, educate and inform children. They are being inspired to work together to tackle the stigma and exclusion that they face as a consequence of being affected by Ebola. They are being educated to minimise the risks of catching Ebola and other serious diseases. They are being informed with key health and life skills messages that they can share with each other and the wider community to keep themselves safer.

Child to Child, Pikin-To-Pikin and the radio producers PearlWorks are using participatory methods to enable children to express themselves, share their ideas for programmes and lead on some areas. This ensures programmes are child-friendly and culturally relevant. Children have opportunities to share their stories and creativity through song, music, poems, stories and radio drama.

Learn more on the Project page.

Photos credits: Michael Duff.