DIOCESE OF MZUZU

Malawi

Reaching remote areas through radio

Reaching remote areas through radio | Malawi

Fr. Paul Odie Chirwa, communicati coordinator of the Diocese of Mzuzu Malawi, tells us more about their local Rad Tigabane and how the funds helped the support its development and audien reach.

Could you tell us more about the project's human impact on your community?

Our project covers a vast area Many people are interested in listening to the radio because of various activities. Now communities know what is happening pastorally and socially, and their lives are knowledgeable.

How has the situation in your community improved once you implemented the project?

The project plays an essential role in our large Diocese, and we rely on parish correspondents to share information with our people There are many benefits in various areas: parish activities, spiritual inputs, business advertising and other national activities of interest.

What can you tell us about the community where the project took place?

The project takes place in 18 parishes covering 27,378 Km2 through parish correspondents and covers pastoral events, commissions and bishop activities There are about 450,000 Catholics in the area and three main tribes: Tumbuka, Ngonde and Tonga Most of our ancestral items and ideologies are fading away with modern influence

Published on 21/02/22

What were your main objectives with this project?

We wanted to train parish and institution correspondents and journalists to provide the latest relevant information or events through Radio Tigabane, the diocesan website and mobile phones. Our goal is to involve all parishes and diocesan institutions by using the radio as the most accessible communication channel to the remotest places.

Is there an anecdote you recall from these last three months?

We gave free mobile phones to 18 parishes when one parish correspondent asked us: "What about airtime and bundles for data?" Also, we should not take for granted that all young people know how to use WhatsApp, as one confessed that he should be taught how to use it So we laughed, and at the same time, sympathized with him!

Why should PSPF continue to support these types of projects?

Putting the Diocese on media platforms encourages community participation and inspires parishes to support our radio financially and morally. Unfortunately, people in our Diocese lacked information and community involvement for a long time Now, they all have easy access to the latest news, primarily through the radio, and benefit from it both spiritually and socially!