Radios for Rwanda

Pacifique, 20-year-old head of household with one sister said, “Over the radio I learned about violence and sexual abuse against children – about how and why it is perpetrated, and how children can protect themselves. I then decided to get training in child protection. I am waiting for the local authorities to recognise my training, but in the meantime, I am initiating discussions and encouraging other children to speak out about sexual abuse and violence against children, since it is quite a common problem here.”

Pacifique’s comments are not unusual in a county where there are thousands of young adults who have been bringing up their younger brothers and sisters since they themselves were children. These children take on responsibilities that a parent or trusted relative should bear. Most live in extreme poverty and are hard-working, eager to learn and resilient in trying to build better lives for their families.

The Freeplay Foundation project team recently spent two weeks in Rwanda distributing Lifeline radios. Working in partnership with four organisations - CARE Rwanda, Fair Children/Youth Foundation, Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (InterPeace) and Trust and Care – we distributed radios to child-headed households, Nkundabana (community mentors), widows who look after children and an association of HIV/AIDS infected people.

Through the Lifeline, the children and Nkundabana have ongoing access to programmes on sexual and reproductive health, violence against children, peace and reconciliation, children’s rights and economic development, which are crucial to the children’s survival and development.

During the distributions, we also spoke to some older children who had received radios in 2007.

Here is what why they tell us that the Lifeline radio is so important in their lives –

Miriam, 19-year-old head of household with brothers and sisters – “Through the radio, I learned about services that are delivered by the local government. I was very intimidated and too afraid to ask for services before, but the radio gave me the confidence to come forward, and ask for things that I am entitled to. Some of my neighbours had taken possession of my land, and I was scared to do anything about it; but from the radio I learned how to approach the local authorities, and reclaim my land.”

Prosper, 21-year-old head of household with three siblings – “I listen to programmes twice a week on sexual and reproductive health for adolescents and the youth. The programmes teach us how to protect ourselves and plan for safe sex.”

Celestine, 21-year-old head of household with two siblings – “We felt very isolated before, especially when we were alone at night, but the radio has helped us start conversations with our neighbours, who come over to listen to the radio in the evenings. It has made us very happy. We have much more interaction with the community because of the radio.”