Radio journos trained on ICT

COMPUTING

By Edith Mwale, Lusaka, Zambia

A training workshop for community radio journalists on the use of social media and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is underway in Zambia.

Panos Institute Southern Africa that is providing the training said community radio stations are good allies for community empowerment and development in Southern Africa, and need to be supported to for them to effectively play their role.

Panos Institute Southern Africa executive director Lilian Kiefer said her organisation found the role community radios play in community development complementary to the work that her organisation does.

“Panos Institute Southern Africa believes in the power of community radio stations in improving the lives of the poor and the marginalised communities of our society because they are based in the community where the people are,” said Kiefer.

She said the introduction of ICTs and social media in the day-to-day running of community radio would go a long way in enhancing this role.

Kiefer noted that despite the great role they play community radio stations are limited in achieving their potential to deliver by a number of factors. These include limited financial, human and technical resources, limited access to facilities that would enable them to perform better, and limited access to information on various relevant issues.

“It is with this in mind that Panos Institute Southern Africa works to support and enhance the capacity of community radio stations to effectively deliver on their responsibilities.

The use of various internet tools will enhance the capacity in searching for or verifying information, and also disseminating information and receiving feedback. We hope that this will enhance your ability in delivering your responsibilities to the communities that you serve,” Kiefer added.