Thanks to the special teamwork between engineers (who install and maintain the broadcasting equipment) and producers (who speak the programmes in the local languages), people can listen to life-changing community radio. Let’s look at recent examples in practice in southeast Africa.

On the road again

At 309,475 square miles, Mozambique is the world's 35th-largest country (after Pakistan). In July Graham Kimber, Feba’s Development Engineer for Africa, journeyed south from Malawi about 580 miles, undertaking engineering work at Feba recording studios in the centre and southern tip of Mozambique.

“My journey from home to Beira took just over 13 hours. There were no problems along the way, except for long roadwork delays at the suspension bridge over the Zambezi River,” reports Graham. “I found the Beira studio had been well maintained, but their office PCs were infected by viruses.”

Beira – Sena programming

The producers at the radio studio in Beira develop programmes in the Sena language. Daily, half-hour programmes are distributed to Radio Dondo and other local stations in the region. The producers were very happy to receive a visit from Graham to work on their computers.

Listeners contact the producers by SMS text and phone calls.

• “I want to express thanks for Feba Radio programmes that educate us. Just one is missing: a young people programme. God bless!”
• “I am very happy with the Feba programme. It increases my desire for God. I tune it every day from Dondo community radio station.”
• “I thank you for the programme on religious education. It was with great joy that I found friends at Feba Radio that take me to the GOOD God path.”

Maputo – Portuguese and Tsonga/Changana programming

Feba Mozambique is based in Maputo. They provide programming in the Portuguese and Tsonga/Changana languages to the local FM stations. The stations appreciate the partnership with Feba Mozambique. After Graham's visit to Beira, he continued to Maputo. “There was a lot of work to do at Feba's studio in Maputo,” says Graham. “They have also been having problems with their mains electric supply blowing equipment. We discovered several faults and fixed them.”

Listeners in Maputo get in touch with producers by dropping into the office as well as SMS and phone calls.

• “I like that drama serial and I am learning so much. I would like to listen again.”
• “Thank you. Feba and listeners are developing social relations; these are evolving as the time goes ahead.”
• “Good morning Feba Radio family. I liked too much that programme of counselling people who are far from God.”