Youth changing
lives and communities
through radio and
podcasts

What we do

Radio Workshop trains youth across Africa to make radio and podcasts. We provide the tools and teach the skills. Youth bring us their creativity, local knowledge, and passion for tackling the issues that matter to them and their communities. They are the new generation of African journalists, thought leaders, storytellers, and activists.

Founded in 2006 as the Children’s Radio Foundation, we have trained over 5,000 youth reporters at more than 100 radio stations in 10 countries in Africa, reaching up to 9 million listeners weekly.

Delivered in local languages and in a youth-friendly style, their radio shows weave together personal narratives and information on these issues to create dynamic radio shows. We support them with training, production tools, and mentoring so that their reporting is fact-based, engaging, and responsive to the needs and concerns of their listeners.

Our podcast brings African youth stories to global audiences. Episodes of the Radio Workshop are distributed across podcast platforms, through international radio broadcast networks, and on radio station partners as free-to-use content. Our podcast brings audiences close to the lives, experiences, and narratives of African youth.

Key focus areas

MENTAL HEALTH
HIV & AIDS
LGBTQI+ RIGHTS
VIOLENCE & SAFETY
CLIMATE CHANGE
EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY

Our reach

36

radio stations

4197

youth trained

6.4m

listeners across Africa

21

broadcast languages

Youth radio programmes

Why radio?

  • RADIO IS AFRICA'S FIRST CHOICE

    According to UNESCO, 83% of Tanzanians said they get news and information from radio.
  • PODCASTS ARE ON THE RISE

    Podcasts are bringing high quality audio to niche audiences in Africa.

  • AUDIO REPORTING IS EASY TO LEARN

    Radio and podcasts require minimal technical expertise. Young people are able to learn production and broadcast skills easily.

  • REPORTING SKILLS ARE LIFE SKILLS

    Learning how to interview, research, and produce a radio show empowers youth, builds their confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking.

  • RADIO AND PODCASTS ARE PORTABLE

    Radio can follow you from place to place, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. It works in places where electricity is not a given.

  • RADIO REACHES THE HARD-TO-REACH

    Radio is the only form of media in many remote, isolated places. It broadcasts where newspapers and television signals do not reach.

  • AUDIO BUILDS COMMUNITY

    Radio is often the pulse of communities across Africa. It reflects the concerns of the day and speaks to local realities. It is a dialogue starter and an information hub.

  • YOUTH RADIO PROJECTS ARE INEXPENSIVE

    Radio stations require limited funds to run. It is possible to reach an audience of millions in a cost-effective way.

How we work

1

IDENTIFY

a radio station and community organization partner.

2

TRAIN COMMUNITY

members to work as youth project leaders and mentors.

3

TRAIN YOUTH

to produce and broadcast radio shows and podcasts.

4

SUPPORT

projects with resources, production guides, and information to enable high quality reporting.

5

YOUTH IDENTIFY

important issues to broadcast radio shows and create podcasts that stimulate dialogue.

6

CONNECT

youth to opportunities for advancement, and allow them to interact and learn from each other.

Latest stories

Youth Opportunities

Finding the Right Words

The audio diary of a spelling bee champion, finding her way from high school to what’s next Listen here   After finishing Grade 12, spelling bee champion Nonhlanhla Mashabana wants to go to university next year but the odds are

Governance

Kenya Rose

What have young people in Kenya won? Listen to Kenya Rose here.   On 18 June 2024, young people in Kenya were peacefully protesting against the 2024 Finance Bill when police retaliated with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.

Youth Opportunities

Meet the Youth Leadership Committee!

In South Africa, 16 June marks Youth Day. A day set aside to honour the young South Africans who fought in the 1976 Soweto Uprising, and to celebrate the youth in the country. To mark the occasion, we want to