The History of the Radio Station
The radio station operates from Chikuni Mission on 91.9 FM, covering a radius of 60 kilometers. It broadcasts to all 21 out-stations in Chikuni Parish and beyond, reaching an estimated potential audience of 250,000 people (a conservative estimate). The station also serves four other parishes, notably Monze, Mazabuka, and Choma. Chikuni Centre is easily visible from a distance, thanks to the station’s 69-meter guyed mast, which supports its FM antennas.
In a groundbreaking initiative, and with support from Jesuit Missions and many other organizations, Chikuni Parish raised over $100,000 to establish and operate the first radio station run by the Batonga people, for the Batonga people—a true community effort in every sense of the word. Since its first broadcast in October 1999, the majority of the programs have been aired in the local Chitonga language at times most convenient for the community. These programs are primarily aimed at subsistence farmers, who make up the majority of the population in Zambia’s Southern Province.
The radio station operates from Chikuni Mission on 91.9 FM, covering a radius of 60 kilometers. It broadcasts to all 21 out-stations in Chikuni Parish and beyond, reaching an estimated potential audience of 250,000 people (a conservative estimate). The station also serves four other parishes, notably Monze, Mazabuka, and Choma. Chikuni Centre is easily visible from a distance, thanks to the station’s 69-meter guyed mast, which supports its FM antennas.
In a groundbreaking initiative, and with support from Jesuit Missions and many other organizations, Chikuni Parish raised over $100,000 to establish and operate the first radio station run by the Batonga people, for the Batonga people—a true community effort in every sense of the word. Since its first broadcast in October 1999, the majority of the programs have been aired in the local Chitonga language at times most convenient for the community. These programs are primarily aimed at subsistence farmers, who make up the majority of the population in Zambia’s Southern Province.
For the Community, By the Community
The entire community is encouraged to submit programme ideas and to participate in broadcasts as much as possible. To support this, each of the 21 centers in Chikuni has its own “News Gatherers.” Their role is not only to collect important news but also to provide detailed and constructive feedback on programmes, content, and style, as well as to identify individuals in their areas who may take a more active role at the station.
Filling the information gap, the programmes cover a wide range of topics, including agriculture, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, education, culture, justice, family, women, youth, profiles of local talent, local issues, and events. The radio station has become a neutral forum where people can openly discuss taboo topics such as property grabbing, sexual abuse of young girls, and witch hunts.
A significant portion of the radio’s activities is dedicated to supporting local music artists, as music is a traditional medium for passing on wisdom. Other key initiatives include the Radio Schools (Taonga Market), the annual Tonga Concert, and tape production. The station serves as an example of how people can develop their own solutions to the real challenges they face. Radio is changing lives, developing minds, and uniting people in an environment shaped by their own needs and on their own terms. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible!
Radio Schools: A Response to the Educational Needs of the Community
Chikuni Radio, in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Zambia, has launched the Radio Schools programme, which airs on Chikuni Radio. This initiative aims to help children in the community keep up with classroom learning during school closures caused by COVID-19.
In these challenging times, the programme is specifically designed to support children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 through lessons delivered in the local language, chiTonga. These lessons are taught by trained teachers provided by the Ministry of Education and are aligned with the Ministry’s official curriculum. This ensures that children have the opportunity to catch up on lessons they would have otherwise missed due to the pandemic.
The programme also features live call-in sessions and text messaging, allowing children listening at home to ask questions and seek clarification from the teachers.
The entire community is encouraged to submit programme ideas and to participate in broadcasts as much as possible. To support this, each of the 21 centers in Chikuni has its own “News Gatherers.” Their role is not only to collect important news but also to provide detailed and constructive feedback on programmes, content, and style, as well as to identify individuals in their areas who may take a more active role at the station.
Filling the information gap, the programmes cover a wide range of topics, including agriculture, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, education, culture, justice, family, women, youth, profiles of local talent, local issues, and events. The radio station has become a neutral forum where people can openly discuss taboo topics such as property grabbing, sexual abuse of young girls, and witch hunts.
A significant portion of the radio’s activities is dedicated to supporting local music artists, as music is a traditional medium for passing on wisdom. Other key initiatives include the Radio Schools (Taonga Market), the annual Tonga Concert, and tape production. The station serves as an example of how people can develop their own solutions to the real challenges they face. Radio is changing lives, developing minds, and uniting people in an environment shaped by their own needs and on their own terms. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible!
Radio Schools: A Response to the Educational Needs of the Community
Chikuni Radio, in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Zambia, has launched the Radio Schools programme, which airs on Chikuni Radio. This initiative aims to help children in the community keep up with classroom learning during school closures caused by COVID-19.
In these challenging times, the programme is specifically designed to support children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 through lessons delivered in the local language, chiTonga. These lessons are taught by trained teachers provided by the Ministry of Education and are aligned with the Ministry’s official curriculum. This ensures that children have the opportunity to catch up on lessons they would have otherwise missed due to the pandemic.
The programme also features live call-in sessions and text messaging, allowing children listening at home to ask questions and seek clarification from the teachers.