"Bonswa tout moun" (Good afternoon everyone!) is heard each day around 2 pm when "Radyo Zetwal" (Star Radio Station) begins its daily broadcast in Fondwa. Next the community radio station broadcasts the Haitian National Anthem and then begins its regular programming.
For the majority of people living in the Fondwa region - with its 20 "habitations" scatterd over the mountains and valleys - Radyo Zetwal, operated by APF and staffed by volunteer youth, is the most important source of information after "telejol", or "word of mouth". Francy, one of the directors of Radyo Zetwal, estimates that about 90% of the people living in the Fondwa region have radios or access to a radio.
Each day Radyo Zetwal broadcasts from about 2 pm to 8 pm with a mixed schedule of programming that includes music, news, public service announcements, "distance learning", and the occasional paid advertising.
Tastes in music vary and Radyo Zetwal offers something for almost everyone! Kompas music is most popular, but the radio station also plays selections of "misik angaje" or music that urges people to "become engaged" in the struggle to build a sustainable community in Fondwa. Other regular programming includes information for a healthy life. Each broadcast focuses on a particular "maladi" or disease and provides information about the symptoms and treatment options for each.
Radyo Zetwal also broadcasts information about the various activities of APF in the community. A goal of these braodcasts is to invite community involvement and to increase community understanding of the APF development model. Occasionally the radio station does live interviews with community members to spotlight the benefits that people perceive in the ongoing development work of APF.
Comments:
Your info and pics are so interesting. Can't help to feel saddened by the lack of opportunity / conditons of these people.
Keeping you in my prayers.
willie
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