In Chongwe district, about 45 kilometres east of Lusaka, a modest community radio station is quietly transforming lives. For over 15 years, Chongwe Community Radio has done more than broadcast local news on 104.5 FM and it has become a gateway of opportunity for young women and men seeking skills, confidence, and a voice in their community.
For volunteers like Majory Chiteu and Onesmus Munsanje, the station has been more than a workplace. It has been a training ground, a lifeline against unemployment, and a platform to serve their community. During a recent visit by representatives from UNESCO and the Independent Broadcasting Authority of Zambia, the two young broadcasters shared how community radio has shaped their futures and strengthened their connection to the people they serve.
Through internal training at the station and mentorship from visiting media professionals and partners, Majory developed practical broadcasting skills and confidence. The experience not only strengthened her professional abilities but also restored her sense of dignity and belonging within the community.
Before joining the station I was unemployed and struggling, but working at the radio has given me skills comparable to formal broadcasting training. Today I am respected in my community and use the platform to share important information in my local language, Soli.
Majory Chiteu, female Radio Announcer
Today, Majory uses the knowledge she has gained to give back to her community by sharing information that is accessible to local audiences.
Her journey reflects the power of community participation and the role local media can play in empowering young women. By stepping forward and getting involved, Majory has not only transformed her own life but also become an inspiration to other young women in the community.
For Onesmus Munsanje, the station has provided a similar pathway to growth and opportunity. After completing his tertiary education, he joined the station and quickly gained practical experience in journalism and newsroom operations.
Working at the station has given me exposure to different areas of news reporting and hands-on experience in newsroom operations. It helped me gain practical industry knowledge and eased the pressure of unemployment after finishing school.
Onesmus Munsanje, Reporter.
Through reporting and interacting with listeners, Onesmus has also developed a deeper understanding of community issues and the role media can play in supporting local development.
His story reflects the reality faced by many young graduates. With limited job opportunities and few professional connections, entering the labour market can be daunting. Community radio stations like Chongwe Community Radio are helping bridge this gap by providing young people with practical training, experience, and a platform to serve their communities.
Beyond youth empowerment, the station serves as a lifeline for the district, broadcasting local news, entertainment, and community-interest programming. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the radio was an indispensable source of information, keeping the community informed and entertained while providing a digital pulpit for local churches to broadcast their sermons.
Agriculture and environmental conservation are also central to the community radio’s mission. Chongwe is not only a key agricultural hub but also serves as a major supplier of charcoal to Lusaka.
Chongwe Community Radio programming is reshaping local perspectives, inspiring farmers to view agriculture as a viable business rather than just subsistence farming.
Mr. Penias Tembo, Chongwe Station Manager.
The station’s social impact is equally profound. By airing educational programs on the importance of girls’ education, Chongwe Community Radio has actively challenged early child marriage, successfully helping many young girls return to the classroom.
As community radio stations like Chongwe continue to serve as a vital lifeline, the stories of youth like Onesmus and Majory highlight the undeniable power of community-led media. With continued investment and partnership from organizations like IBA and UNESCO, community radios in Africa will remain to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and development for citizens in rural Africa for years to come.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/community-radios-transforming-lives-young-women-and-men-rural-zambia?hub=701
