We aim to be efficient – using what already exists rather than building from scratch is one way we save time and resources.
As part of our defection and protection efforts in central Africa, Invisible Children recently implemented two major upgrades on FM stations. This past week, IC funded the installation of a 30m mast at Radio Zereda in Obo, Central African Republic (CAR). Started five years ago, this radio station broadcasts content aimed at encouraging defection of LRA members. In addition to the usual music and news programs, it broadcasts “come home” messaging and partners with Invisible Children to air interviews with former LRA fighters to encourage peaceful surrender. Radio Zereda broadcasts in Luo, a native language of northern Uganda, where the majority of LRA commanders hail from. The program also reaches out to local communities and encourages them to accept and forgive former abductees as they return home. Radio Zereda has just celebrated its fifth year of broadcasting messages of peace in the affected region.
Ani Dusa FM (Mboki)
“Invisible Children reacts beyond all expectations by providing us with a much-improved pylon and a new installation of cable worthy of the name,” says a Technical Assistant at Radio Zereda. “I see here a real willingness to assist the region […] and fight for the return of peace in the whole area… To you personally, any of the Invisible Children team in San Diego, Kampala, Obo and the whole family Invisible Children, we thank you.”
A few weeks ago, Ani Dusa FM radio in Mboki, CAR, also experienced an upgrade, increasing the radio’s reach from a radius of about 40 km to at least 60 km (37 miles). This is a definite gain for the region and for the success of our defection efforts as our messaging will now reach more individuals.
A recent study found that 89% of LRA escapes credited “come home” messaging as an important factor in their decision to defect. For more information on our FM radio program click HERE.
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