Multi-Media Centre

The Centre has its own television and FM radio stations offering programmes produced by and for youth. The radio and TV programming, the creating of script content, the actual broadcasting, and all aspects of production are carried out by youth. The radio programmes use music - everything from hard rock and jazz to country-western and African hip-hop - to attract listeners.

"Wrapped inside the music programmes are short, informative segments dealing with current events and issues important to young people. A programme on young African musicians features artists live on air talking about the threat of HIV/AIDS and how to prevent its spread."

In that context, the programme is designed not only to help young people develop a variety of media skills, but also to teach them about substantive adolescent health and development issues. According to organisers, the young participants then become recognised focal points for important issues in their communities as well as effective advocates on the radio, on TV, or in print.

Youth, Media Skills Training, HIV/AIDS.

Organisers claim that "After six months in the centre, young people have real skills and are ready to work in any number of media professions – from computer graphic designers and editors to radio broadcasters and TV talk show hosts." They indicate that "The TV station, launched in 2003, boasts an audience of 1 million. The radio station broadcasts 24 hours, seven days a week, and reaches over 300,000 listeners every day." In the context of these data, organisers believe that the Centre and the programmes it produces are having a real impact on the youth of Cotonou and its surrounding areas.