By Peter Kitelo, Executive Director Chepkitale Indigenous People Development Project (CIPDP)
Tulwoob Koony Radio, a community radio station serving the Koony people, recently completed a groundbreaking project to enhance its broadcasting capacity and empower Indigenous voices. The "Enhancing the Internal Capacity of the Community Radio Broadcasting" project, funded by the Indigenous Community Media Fund, ran from August 7, 2023, to June 7, 2024, and yielded impressive results. The project addressed a critical need for improved infrastructure and skills within the radio station, enabling it to effectively broadcast vital information on climate change, gender-based violence, forest conservation, and Indigenous cultural education. By providing training and resources, the project sought to increase the participation of youth and Indigenous communities in media, policymaking, and conservation efforts.
One of the project's key achievements was strengthening the radio's broadcasting infrastructure. New equipment was installed, significantly improving the quality and reach of its programs. This enabled Tulwoob Koony Radio to reach a wider audience and deliver its message more effectively. In addition, 23 young people from the Koony community received comprehensive training in journalism and radio production. This training equipped them with essential research, scriptwriting, reporting, and digital content production skills, bolstering the local media capacity and empowering a new generation of Indigenous storytellers. The project facilitated the production of 15 radio episodes on various critical topics. Four episodes focused on climate change and its impact on agriculture and the environment, showcasing locally-led adaptation efforts.
Three episodes addressed the pressing issue of gender-based violence, raising awareness and supporting advocacy against this pervasive problem. Another four episodes delved into policy-making processes related to forest conservation, emphasizing the crucial role of Indigenous communities in protecting local forests and biodiversity. Finally, four episodes were dedicated to the moral education of Indigenous children, reinforcing cultural values and identity through storytelling and discussions led by community elders.
The project's impact extends beyond the airwaves. Through active social media engagement, it reached over 50,000 people, far exceeding initial expectations. This online presence amplified community engagement and awareness of the project's key themes. The radio programs sparked essential conversations and empowered community members to become more involved in addressing critical issues.
The project also fostered valuable alliances with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities, particularly in forest conservation and gender advocacy. These partnerships have laid the groundwork for future collaborations and funding opportunities. While celebrating the project's successes, the Tulwoob Koony Radio team also acknowledged their challenges. Technical difficulties with the new equipment initially delayed broadcasts, but these were overcome through collaboration with technical experts who provided training to radio staff.
Reflecting on the project, the team highlighted vital lessons and good practices.
Community engagement was crucial for ensuring the relevance and impact of the programs. The tailored training provided to the youth proved highly effective in enhancing their skills and confidence. The strategic use of social media significantly expanded the project's reach and impact. Tulwoob Koony Radio is committed to maintaining the project's momentum. This includes ongoing maintenance of the new equipment, continued training for the radio team, and active pursuit of funding opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the programs.
The "Enhancing the Internal Capacity of the Community Radio Broadcasting" project has left a legacy, empowering the Koony community to tell their stories, address critical issues, and shape their future. This training will equip journalists with skills to help them in [the] future." A listener shared, the programs on climate change opened my eyes to the small changes we can make in our farming practices to adapt to the weather changes." These testimonials underscore the transformative power of community media and the profound impact of this project on the Koony people.
In 2024, Chepkitale Indigenous People Development Project (CIPDP) received a grant from Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Fund, which provides opportunities for international Indigenous radio stations to strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems and creates training opportunities for journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities around the world. In 2023, the Indigenous Community Media Fund supported communities with 60 grants totaling $420,000 to Indigenous community media in 20 countries, supporting 87 Indigenous Peoples.
