WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL – “You’re big brother!”
It seems like everyone knows Radio Miraya presenter Sebit Manash and his fellow correspondents.
Expanding their already substantial listenership, the rollout of the ‘Miraya on the Road’ initiative allows the team to directly interact with communities right across the country.
“We are so excited to be here with you and see all your faces without a phone line between us,” exclaims Taban Geoffrey, the host of the ‘Community Conversations’ show at a special outreach event held at the Wau Youth Center.
Opportunities like this were multiple during their one-week trip in and around the town.
From discussions about ethical leadership and cattle raids to the resettlement of Wau-based displaced people, the entire program was carefully crafted to serve local community concerns and needs.
Before each show, moderators and sound technicians come together for a quick check-in and clarification of objectives. Ever-present are their colleagues back in the studio in Juba providing a live connection and co-hosting shows requiring access to more elaborate equipment.
The goal is to bring information to places where it has been absent for far too long and foster new connections.
“We all love Radio Miraya because it unites people, raises awareness, and promotes peace. Meeting the hosts in person is even better than hearing them as we are given a space to also build connections with people we normally wouldn’t connect with, united through our shared respect for Miraya,” shared Asunta Sebit, youth activist and member of the Wau Radio Miraya Fanclub.
An advocate for women’s rights, the young mother joined a show at the youth center with her newborn baby to connect with like-minded individuals and gain new perspectives.
While she always saw herself as an activist, she believes that it is shows like the ones hosted by Taban and Joseph Lam featuring other activists that give her the motivation to keep going.
To see that she’s by no means the only woman in South Sudan dreaming about a world of equal opportunities.
To address challenges and join forces to find solutions as one of the show’s guests, Director of SSBC television in Western Bahr El Ghazal and women’s right activist, Juliette Luka, explains:
“As a fellow journalist and human rights advocate, Radio Miraya and I know each other very well. To me, it’s not just a medium to build connections but also a powerful platform for us to raise our voices and bring light into spaces where darkness prevails.”
Having just left Wau, the radio team of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s radio team is already preparing for their next adventure – ‘Miraya on the Road’ is coming to Bor and Pibor at the end of the month.
As always, ready to connect and communicate with current and future listeners.
By Jaella Brockmann
