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?
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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.
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AUDIO REPORTING IS EASY TO LEARN
Radio and podcasts require minimal technical expertise. Young people are able to learn production and broadcast skills easily.
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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.
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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.
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RADIO REACHES THE HARD-T0-REACH
Radio is the only form of media in many remote, isolated places. It broadcasts where newspapers and television signals do not reach.
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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.
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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

If I’ve already had COVID-19, do I still need a vaccine?
For every fact sheet we share, our youth reporters have the opportunity to share their thoughts and questions with us via voice note, which we edit together and respond to – radio style!

For or against vaccine mandates?
For every fact sheet we share, our youth reporters have the opportunity to share their thoughts and questions with us via voice note, which we edit together and respond to – radio style!

Why should I bother getting the vaccine if I can still catch and spread COVID-19?
For every fact sheet we share, our youth reporters have the opportunity to share their thoughts and questions with us via voice note, which we edit together and respond to – radio style!