Community radios champion citizen participation in nation building

HUYE–When the idea to set up community radios across the country was initiated at the beginning of the century, they were seen as an ideal tool to improve communication channels between the leadership and the population.The government, which was at the time involved in the early phases of the decentralisation process, saw the benefits of bringing the media closer to the population.In this way the citizens are actively involved and knowingly contribute to the various developmental programmes.Since the first community radio was set up in Huye in 2003, there are currently five government owned community radios which are under the Rwanda Office of Information (ORINFOR). About five others are privately owned.The radios are making a big impact by informing the community about government policies and spreading their ideas and best practices throughout the country and within the leadership circle, according to Steven Kalisa, the acting director of community radios at ORINFOR.“The radios have done a lot in reaching to their objective,” he affirms.“When the community radios were introduced, the idea was to have a channel where residents can express their views, ideas and opinions,” Kalisa explains.“They now act like platforms where residents and leaders meet and exchange”.According to Kalisa, community radios are closer to the population and “it is easy for them to help residents express their opinions”.“Through them, the population has a chance to get involved in the planning and execution of all developmental programmes”.“As well, leaders have a chance to reach to residents easily. And in that culture of constructive debate is nurtured.”He said that some radios have been locally awarded for their contribution in enhancing good governance, educating and sensitising the population on their role in the development of the country, among other achievements.Another benefit, according to the official, is that the radios are contributing to having a media literate population who know the good and the bad and apply the constructive ideas broadcast by the radios to their daily lives.Kalisa spoke to The New Times during the ceremony to award winners in a question and answer (Q&A) competition organised by Huye based community radio (RCHUYE). The competition, which lasted for five months, was based on a live programme, Savoir Plus, in which listeners answered to questions live on air. The 10 top winners (2 every month) met in Huye to compete for the top slot.Valens Murindabagabo, 41, a businessman based in Nyaruguru district, emerged winner.The winner of the ‘Savoir plus’ competition walked away with a package of products, courtesy of Sulfo Rwanda.Participants in the final contest also included some residents of Burundi-something that Kalisa interpreted as another positive impact of the community radios.“These radios are selling the image of the country outside”, he said. “Through their programmes, the population in the neighbouring countries are getting a correct image of Rwanda and its population”.Valens Murindabagabo said he is a regular radio listener because he believes the various aired programmes can help him to shape his mind and improve his living conditions.“I prefer community radios because they have a programme package which portrays the daily lives of residents” “Personally, it helps me to know what others are doing so I learn best practices from them”.According to Cyprien Mutwarasibo, Huye Deputy-Mayor in charge of economic affairs, community radios are helping local leaders in sensitising residents for the adoption of various developmental policies and programmes.

National

Community radios champion citizen participation in nation building