Kids Waves

There are millions of young people under 18 in West Africa, close to half the population. Yet despite these numbers, youth in many societies are rarely heard and often have little chance to express themselves about issues affecting them.

Children performing on stage

Since 2004, Kids Waves has swept the entire West Africa region, involving thousands of children and more than 50 radio stations, traveling from village to village to provide a platform of expression to children and youth in front of their communities; to entertain whilst sensitising parents, friends, local authorities, adults on several issues related to child rights and authorities and adults’ responsibilities towards these rights.

‘Kids Waves’ is a weekly radio show produced and broadcasted in 8 countries in West Africa in several languages. Each show is related to a right of the child (education, health, protection, early marriage, etc.) explained to the audience along with the responsibilities of all to improve the lives of children in West Africa.

It is estimated that millions of listeners are reached and that around 2,000 of people are attending each recording.

Youth musicians have produced all the jingles of the shows along with songs promoting rights of the child.
Traveling from village to village and recording live is an opportunity to gather the parents, the authorities, opinion leaders and cultural actors around the themes children find meaningful and interesting.

In 2007

• Around 3,500 children and youth were trained to host the show in the 8 countries involved
• Around 300 shows produced and broadcasted on 55 radio stations
• More than 500,000 people have attended the shows

Cécile H., A young radio host from Benin :
 “With Kids Waves, I learned how to sensitise young people and parents to prevent malaria. After the radio show was broadcast, my elder sister went to the market to buy a mosquito net for her child”. 

Plan would like to thank Nokia for their on going funding of this project.