Changing lives through the radio waves

Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura or Chatting With My Best Friend is the longest running youth radio show in Nepal. Heavily donned in the blanket of social norms and rigid culture many young people found themselves helpless in terms of making sound decisions for themselves. This is when Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura made it's presence in the radio waves in the year 2001. The radio program was the result of the KAP (Knowledge , Attitude and Practice) survey conducted by UNICEF Nepal throughout Nepal among 1,400 respondents and other qualitative studies. The radio program within a short span of time not only gained popularity but also sent shock waves in many communities who battled their way towards local FM stations airing the program accusing them of airing vulgar contents on through media. As the hosts in the radio program unperturbed talked about Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV and AIDS and various social issues that were never discussed in large circles - the hosts frankness towards issues categorized as Taboo by the society gave youngsters a bold approach to listen to the radio show and freely debate and discuss on the issue raised in the program providing youngsters with a channel of youth empowerment. Influenced by the radio program youngsters around Nepal started making small groups to listen to the radio program. These small spontaneous group have taken organizational shape as today Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura boasts a hold of more than a thousand self-formed listeners' club all around Nepal. Listener club members take collective actons in their community to cater information to the general masses.

 

Listeners continuously write to the radio program with their problems and queries. All the letters received are responded individually. This approach of two way communication between the production team and the listeners have also forged a sense of belongingness and trust. Forty-six templates are specifically designed for this purpose. According to BAS (Broadcast Audience Survey, 2008) the radio program has a listener base of 6 million.

 

Today the radio program is not only limited to letters but it has also branched out to e-mail, website and the latest introduction to the 'Short Message Service' (SMS) which is also gaining rapid popularity with messages more than 500 messages being received for every episodes.

 

The radio show is not only recognized within the home grounds but SSMK has also been acknowledged with the prestigious 'Global Junior Award' and is also a recipient of 'International Children Broadcast Award.' Success stories of the program have also been featured in various national and international periodicals.

 

'Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura' has completed 500 episodes since April 2001. It is institutionalized within an NGO- Equal Access Nepal. With its growing partnership with local FM stations, it is being aired through more than 25 local stations across the country as well as the national radio station; Radio Nepal making the radio show more distinct and popular among the listeners.

 

Words: Ayush