In Mozambique, T-shirts are ready, pressed with logo, as the new radio station, Radio Nuru, launches!
Permission has been granted for the station to air test broadcasts for two months. Now local Muslim Mwane people have their own FM community station broadcasting to the 30 palm-roofed hut villages along the coast in Macomia.
Karen and Paul Zimmerman, with Africa Inland Mission, a Feba partner in Mozambique, have developed the station. As Feba brought technical assistance and advice, the Zimmermans have lived with the Mwane people since 2000. Paul explains that their ministry will be a ‘building bridges’ approach to the community of poor fishermen who have had little education.
“The Mwane rise at 4am to fish or work in gardens 5km away. The Mwane eat their fish meal at sunset, when spirit appeasement ceremonies may also be carried out.”
Helping the community to help themselves
“Their need is spiritual,” says Karen. “They also need healthcare. We are hoping to educate by radio and communicate valuable information to people who need it. Social programmes have already been recorded on AIDS, alcohol and the family. Many can’t read, but they can listen by themselves.”
“We will hold on-the-street interviews with people. The programme is named in kiMwane to build even more pride in their language and translated means Opinion on the Street. They like to listen to themselves, and friends will tune in to hear them.”
Lighting the way with humour
Karen says: “The Mwane will hear Swahili Christian music from Tanzania and Kenya. They can understand Swahili and love music. There will be a variety of programmes. Storytime will have humour, and we’ll just be telling Bible stories in their language. Nuru translated means light; ‘We want to light up your way’.”
During a pre-broadcast test, the Zimmermans were delighted to hear their signal strength was strong. A Muslim man from outside the target area travelled a distance to request they broadcast an announcement for an ‘all night vigil’.
The station will be on air from 4-6am, ‘to ease into the day’, and again between 4-9pm to be listened to when they sit down around the fire. Karen says: “We’re excited to see what God’s going to do.”