Early Learning Radio Initiative in Zambia

The ECE radio programme uses an Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) Methodology in which subjects and activities are presented in "an interactive and lively fashion." The 30-minute programmes are broadcast by two local community radio stations (Radio Maria and PALSME) to learning centres. The children listen to the programmes using Lifeline Energy wind-up radios, and trained local caregivers facilitate pre- and post-broadcast activities. The radio lessons are translated into a local language (Chichewa) to enable young children to understand the content.

"Radio lessons are being piloted in 42 learning centres located in villages and townships in the four districts of Eastern Province, enabling more than 2,680 children" to participate. To ensure continuity and reach of the radio lessons, organisers are exploring alternative content delivery methods, including using MP3s and Lifeline technology, "which provides offline radio broadcasts on microchips located in radio sets called the Lifeplayers, especially in areas where there is poor radio reception."

Children, Education, Early Childhood Development.

According to the organisers, "there has been an overwhelming response from the community; parents notice definite changes in their children and appreciate the presence of these initiatives. In light of this, more parents are sending their children to the ECE centres."

The Zambia ECE radio project is part of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Initiative for Young Children Affected by HIV and AIDS programme. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is providing multi-year support to 12 organisations in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia to support the development of young children in areas severely affected by HIV and AIDS. "The roots of poor health and capacity, social maladjustment and inequality are laid down in very early development, inequalities widen as children get older, and they become increasingly difficult to remedy. Interventions to assist young children are known to render the greatest value for effort and money invested as compared to any later stage in life." The South African Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is working with the Foundation and its implementing partners to develop a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework to strengthen family, community, organisational, and national efforts for early child development.