10%

COMMUNITY RADIO MAKES WAVES IN LAO PDR

September 8^th, 2016

Write your story here. (Optional)

Education is central to advancing human development. By empowering people to determine their own destinies, education can transform individual lives, as well as those of families, communities and nations.

In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where 63 percent of the country’s population live in remote and mountainous communities, basic education has yet to reach many communities. Radio remains the primary source of information for many of these communities, and is now playing an even more vital educational role.

“I try to make people understand the importance of education and keeping their children in school. At the moment, a lot of our young people leave school early,” said Mouddala Keonheun, a school teacher who also volunteers at the UNDP-supported Lakonepheng Community Radio Station.

Mouddala Keonheun, a school teacher who also volunteers at the UNDP-supported Lakonepheng Community Radio Station

UNDP has been working with the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to support community radio stations in providing not only basic information on health and sanitation, but also programmes that focus on education.

“Staying in school and learning is better for the children’s future. But so many can’t stay. That’s why community radio is so important, to teach those who want to learn, and to give people without an education a way to be heard,” added Mouddala.

Write your story here. (Optional)

Mouddala broadcasts a basic education programme which reaches more than 45,000 people, many of whom would otherwise not receive any education. It is well documented that the lack of adequate schooling contributes significantly to poverty in Laos.

Each station is run by volunteers who create content based on local issues and news. Programmes also focus on the poor and more disadvantaged homes, as well as giving a voice to marginalized groups such as women and ethnic minorities.

The programme has resulted in broader changes in increasing vaccination rates, more women using health facilities, and improved natural disaster preparedness and recovery.