Radio is the ideal medium to create a public platform for discussion around issues of interest to young people. And the ideal people to lead these discussions are young people themselves. So far, we have 25 peer leaders who have been trained as young reporters. They have learned how to use radio reporting, storytelling and message-driven broadcasts to spark dialogues and explore issues in a way that makes sense to them.

Working with the Children’s Radio Foundation and Umgungundlovu FM, a community radio station in Pietermaritzburg, our young reporters create and broadcast Umgungu Flashpoint  – a 15 minute slot every Saturday morning from 9:45 – 10:00.

The programme offers an opportunity for young people to have their say on issues affecting their health, wellbeing and development. Among the topics covered are relationships, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, HIV transmission and prevention. This project is in line with Sinomlando’s strategy to encourage youth to take leadership in issues that affect them.

In October 2018 Umgungu Flashpoint won the health category at the 5th Annual Youth Radio Awards in Cape Town. We are so proud of our young reporters and the impact their work is having on their peers in the community.