Timveni ousts social ills
They captured radio and television. It is now the second coming of Timveni (Hear Us Out) programmes and since the commencement in April, 2013 social ills threatening lives of children and youth are at the centre stage.
While DJ Yalakwa captures the radio version of issues, TV host Memory Sibale is anchoring the visuals both aimed at addressing societal tribulations affecting the lives of their target audience the youth and children.
Timveni media manager Harold Chiudza told Chill that the reception of the second season of Timveni had been impressive as gauged by feedback.
“This is season two of the programmes, and so far, the issues that have been addressed include child involvement in community development, promoting the rights of children with disabilities, ending child abandonment, stopping child labour, empowering girls with education, and promoting the rights of Malawian children and youth,” Chiudza said.
A Blantyre-based youth, Lauren Donga, who is a keen follower of the programmes both on TV and radio, highlights two issues as core since April.
“I was touched by a story of two children aged five and seven who were abandoned by their parents in Mzuzu and the story of a Standard 8 girl aged 12 who was found pregnant when she was about to sit her Primary School Leaving Certificate exams in Zomba,” said 16-year-old Donga.
Timveni has been designed to act as a platform where children and the youth can express their views, sharpen their talents and expose their skills as the mainstream platforms are dominated by adults that do not consider the views of children and youths.
“Many children and youths are abused and they suffer in silence. Timveni is here as a channel for children and youths to share their stories, express their views, and to participate in community and national development. Timveni also reminds all duty-bearers to enforce the laws that govern the rights of children and youths in Malawi,” Chiudza added.
The radio programme is aired on Friday, on MBC Radio 2 from 2pm to 2.30pm while the TV programme is being aired every Friday on MBC from 3.30pm to 4pm. The radio and television programmes are being produced by Timveni Child and Youth Media Organisation with funding from Plan Malawi and Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
