Radio for the youth, by the youth

Uitani Childline Radio is a radio show for youth by youth that was started 17 years ago, in 2005. The radio show falls under the Lifeline Childline (LLCL) umbrella.

The show’s slogan is "The show that talks about what you talk about," ensuring relatability for the children that listen to the radio programme.

The show is aimed at informing, educating and entertaining the youth and is presented by fellow youth members who understand the issues.

The radio show aims to bring awareness to the different social ills that the Namibian youth face – issues that many radio stations do not address.

In addition, it was also started to give a platform to young Namibians, and promote peer-to-peer education via radio.



Young experience

The programme currently has 20 presenters between the ages of 10 and 18.

They include: Taylah Theron (12), Je-Dy Rhodes (17), Joyce Waandja (18), Leitage Mutenda (13), Monica Johannes (14), Louise Sikerete (16), Ayshah Iipumbu (11), Nuuwa Upindi (12), Jordyn Beukes (11), Lavinia Muranda (16), Georgina Namises, Mathew Haipare (12), Shane Smith (17), Isaiah Akwenye (12), Fortune Simbuwa (11), Onyeka Usiku (15), Simon Haiphene (11), Christian Kapewangolo (10), Hilmanus Henock (12) and Eli Kasai, who is 13 years old.

The presenters were chosen early this year after auditions were held at the LLCL headquarters in Windhoek; unfortunately, at the moment, the programme currently only caters to presenters from Windhoek; however, children can listen to the programme countrywide.

The radio show airs on NBC National Radio (92.6 FM) from 9:00 to 10:00 on Saturday and Omulunga Radio (105.5 FM) from 15:00 to 16:00 on Sunday.

However, Uitani radio producer Shaan Semba and coordinator Elizabeth Hamurenge said it is their dream to broadcast the programme live from their in-house studio.

Among the challenges they face is funding.

The radio show is part of LLCL, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), hence the lack of funding.

However, reaching a large target audience is among the programme’s successes.

It also provides presenters with the opportunity to flourish and become ambassadors to the world.



A big world

The presenters also stand a chance to be exposed to a number of opportunities, from closely working with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (Unicef) to hosting events like Safer Internet Day and the African psychosocial support youth forum.

Moreover, the presenters also plan the celebrations for the African and Namibian children's days, allowing them to create a worthwhile event for children.

This year's Uitani presenters have recently shed light on positive parenting to encourage parents to positively parent their children and recognise when the child may require psychosocial support.

Uitani Radio is currently the only programme for youth and children aged 10 to 18 years old.

"The uniqueness of this endeavour cannot be overlooked, especially the unmeasurable impact through continuous awareness raising, reaching communities in sometimes unreachable locations," said Hamurenge.



Bright futures

In addition, the programme also provides young people with basic counselling and personal growth training when they turn 16 so they can become peer counselors.

Uitani alumni are currently achieving great success in their respective fields.

There is Lavinia Kamati, the founder and owner of Nunu’s Kitchen; Shaquil Brown, the founder of Bro Code Namibia; and Shaan Semba, the current producer of Uitani Childline Radio.

Semba was also a presenter at the show and thereafter got into counselling with the organisation before becoming the radio producer in 2022.