Using radio to inspire young people in Sierra Leone

Young people in Sierra Leone face a daunting challenge: many are unemployed and feel excluded from political processes. Through radio and television, Mi Stori (My Story) aims to inspire young people by championing positive role models – and offering a platform to engage direct with government leaders and decision-makers.

An interactive radio show, Dis Na Wi Voice (This is Our Voice) tells real stories from young people who have led positive change in their community. It also provides a space for young people to interview government leaders on issues from employment to corruption. Fun, fast-paced and informal, the show’s tagline is ‘Wetin na fo wi, without wi, nor to fo wi’ (What is for us, without us, is not for us).

"It's not common for young people to sit down with politicians and parliamentarians to discuss their issues in Sierra Leone." says the show's presenter, Maraya Conteh. "Through radio, we're giving young people a platform to raise issues, share knowledge and come up with solutions."

From relationships to employment, the radio show’s topics are supplemented by a host of engaging social media content – and frequent appearances from celebrities and sports stars.

The project includes a series of powerful mini-documentaries, following the stories of nine inspiring young people – including a girl who became pregnant as a teenager but returned to school, and an Olympic swimmer.

The Krio-language radio show can be listened to on 12 partner stations. The documentaries are broadcast through four television partners and Facebook.

Project information