Children's radio program hits the airwaves

Children listening eagerly to the first broadcast

A community radio program in Kenya is giving children the chance to broadcast their opinions on issues that affect them.

'Sauti ya Watoto wa Kwale' – the Kwale children's community radio program, supported by Plan – has burst onto the airwaves of Pwani FM.

The first edition was put together by pupils from Mwananyamala primary school and featured poems, jokes and stories, written and presented by the children themselves.

The program focused on a child's right to an education, and gave the participants a chance to give their perceptive and thought-provoking opinions on subjects which affect them.

Speaking out

Children in the region are often marginalised, and their views not valued. The radio program aims to break traditional cultural barriers and let children express themselves freely to the wider community, as well as giving them experience in researching, compiling and presenting a radio show.

"When we spoke on the radio, our parents listened," said one of the children.

Another classmate said: "I want to speak about abuse of our rights, when I get a chance. I am composing a poem about it."

'Sauti ya Watoto wa Kwale', which is aired weekly to over 700,000 people, is hosted by a different school each time.

The program is a forerunner to the children's community radio station which has already been licensed by the government.

Find out more about Plan's work in Kenya