Dagu Addis Youth Programme

The show takes its name from the highly valued traditional communication system of the Afar ethnic group, where members exchange relevant and important information that affects their livelihoods. In the same way, Dagu Addis is designed to provide a safe and youth-friendly space for young people aged 15-24 to discuss and explore issues that affect their health and well-being. The programme uses a mix of reality radio, listener group discussions, vox pops, personal narratives, and games to highlight the challenges young people have with managing their day-to-day lives in a world where HIV prevalence is high. Through role modelling, exploration, and candid discussion, the programme seeks to prompt young people to make "wise" decisions rather than "right" decisions.

The show explores topics such as sexuality, relationships, peer pressure, gender, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS from the perspective of adolescents and young adults. One segment of the show, for instance, followed a young girl and a boy as they prepare for and go out on a date. The conversations and the date itself are recorded and broadcast. According to the producers, the point is to encourage young people to discuss their issues in a culture where talking about such topics is usually taboo.

There are two hosts/producers, two producers, and three programme staff behind the radio show. Each episode is reviewed by an internal as well as an external reviewer before it is aired. In developing each show, producers conceptualise the programme details first, then look for a person whose life matches the story they want to work on. After finding the match, they establish a relationship with the subject(s) so that the storytellers will feel comfortable sharing their experiences. After this, a series of interviews take place to flesh out the story. The organisers state that the subject of the story has complete discretion as to whether she/he remains anonymous or is named during the broadcast. The programme is broadcast using language commonly spoken by young people (yarada kuanka).

Dagu Addis is part of a larger strategic communication process that incorporates: listener discussion groups where in- and out-of-school youth discuss the topics addressed in Dagu Addis; training in production of audio content around HIV prevention for youth; and the development of print communication materials.

To find out more and to listen to the programmes visit the Dagu website.

HIV/AIDS, Youth

According to National AIDS Resource Centre, listener response to the show has been positive, with young people saying that the show gives a space for youth to talk freely about their friends, and sexual and love relationships. Two programmes that seemed to have generated the most discussion were on day parties and transactional sex.