Jadavpur University radio station targets children

The University of Jadavpur’s community radio station, 90.8 Radio JU, has started broadcasting special programs for children – especially those in the economically weaker sections – who are among the most affected by the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

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“Children are among the most affected by the pandemic. They were deprived of schools and playgrounds. My experience in radio production confirms that radio is an easily accessible medium for children and has great potential for their development, ”said Imankalyan Lahiri, who teaches international relations at the university and is the host of community radio. . The Hindu.

Offline mode

The programs will be carried out in partnership with the West Bengal Commission on the Protection of the Rights of the Child (WBCPCR) and will air every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The first program aired last Wednesday.

“The WBCPCR estimated that children without access to the Internet or smartphones can be reached through the offline mode, which includes the use of community-based methods. Community radio can help street children by compensating for the lack of online learning. The programs will include storytelling, live classrooms, music, theater, lectures and interviews on children’s rights, environment and adventure, ”said Lahiri.

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The channel is East India’s first community radio station, launched in 2008, and is accessible within a 10 km radius. During the lockdown, it had suspended operations and launched a Facebook page – Radio JU Fight against COVID-19 – which, in a short time, had grown into a vast network of current and former students of the university who were helping needy. They contacted the elderly stranded at the home and also operated kitchens in and around Calcutta to feed migrant workers.

Underused in education

“Radio is underused in education; its potential as a learning tool is often under-exploited. Radio creates dialogue, it is interactive: we listen and we talk. It is a school without walls. At the same time, it’s fun and also reinforces the local culture. That said, the channel will also broadcast its programs on its Facebook and YouTube pages, ”he said.

“We will also have discussions for the benefit of parents and guardians. They will directly address issues related to the pandemic, social stigma, social exclusion, disability and sexual violence. There will also be programs for students with different abilities, ”Lahiri said.