We, the young people, are not participating in the governance of our country. This program is helping us by encouraging us to get involved.
Young people lack access to youth-friendly information about politics, information about their rights and responsibilities, and opportunities to interact with those in power.
That鈥檚 where Ishiwi (My Voice) comes in, using media to prove that young people can effectively participate and bring about change and development in their society, given the correct knowledge, skills and guidance.
Supported by training and mentoring from 麻豆社 Media Action, a weekly, interactive magazine radio show is broadcast live by a young production team and features young contributors and well-known personalities. Topics discussed have included Zambia鈥檚 Bill of Rights, voter registration and political violence in the run up to the August 2016 elections.
Community listening groups, in addition to continuous research, provide feedback to ensure the programme content remains relevant to audiences.
鈥淲e, the young people, are not participating in the governance of our country. This program is helping us by encouraging us to get involved鈥� said one listening group member.
Roadshows featuring musicians, celebrities and outdoor debates take the programme out in to the community. Audiences can participate by calling in to the programme, or via , and WhatsApp.
As part of the project, young volunteers are able to build up their inter-personal skills and knowledge about key governance issues 鈥� such as voting and rights 鈥� through training provided by .Through school visits and community events, trainees are able to share their knowledge with other young people.
The project, run in partnership by 麻豆社 Media Action and Restless Development, covers 10 communities in Kabwe District in the Central Province of Zambia.
Project information
| Project name | Ishiwi - My Voice |
| Funder | Sida (since 2019); previously |
| Dates | 2015-2018; 2019-2023 |
| Themes | Governance |
| Broadcast partners | KNC Radio |
Our projects in Zambia
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Communities coming together to tackle gender-based violence in northern Zambia
We鈥檙e supporting local radio stations in northern Zambia to produce shows that improve understanding of, and discussion around, gender equality 鈥� with the aim of shifting norms around sexual and gender-based violence. -
Strengthening community radio in Zambia
麻豆社 Media Action aims to strengthen the professionalism and sustainability of community and independent radio stations in Zambia through expert training. -
Ishiwi - giving young people a voice in Zambia
A youth-led initiative combining discussion and media to help address the priorities of young people and help them to participate in local and national decision-making processes in Zambia. -
Let鈥檚 talk about sex: improving sexual health for young people in Zambia
How a youth-led TV and radio show is helping young people in Zambia talk about sex, STIs and how to prevent HIV and AIDS.
