Written by: FEBA South Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Mozambique has a population of 33 million people, and it is estimated that young people between 15 and 24 years of age represent around 20 percent of the country’s population. Despite the development the country enjoyed in recent years, poor education and poverty still drastically influence the capacity of young people – which is especially visible in rural areas.
A bleak economy
The poorest of the poor have fewer chances of emerging from poverty and becoming economically integrated into the labour market. It is also a sad reality that young people with a disadvantaged background start their education late and sometimes drop out of school as a result of, among others, finances. The lower the education level of young people, the more their socio-economic future is compromised. Young people face many challenges such as the harsh realities of securing formal and decent jobs. The pandemic has made it worse for them. The current landscape of economic opportunities in Mozambique looks bleak and the challenges are overwhelming. Radio FOT (Fountain of Life) seeks to help make a difference through its broadcasts. Radio FOT is overseen by Bright Sonjera, the director of six radio stations and 50 satellite broadcasting centres established across Mozambique. Radio FOT broadcasts a diverse range of programmes in Chi-Yao, Chi-Chewa, and Portuguese.
Youth broadcasting to the youth
One of the station’s success stories is a youth programme that they broadcast, hosted by children and youths ranging from 10-16 years. This brilliant idea of having the youth broadcast to the youth has had multiple success stories because of the relatability and understanding of facing the same challenges as other young listeners.
The youth programme is aptly called, My Future programme, and focuses on developing young people by giving them a head-start through its educational programmes. Issues such as drug addictions and teenage pregnancies are also openly discussed so that youngsters can learn from each other and be inspired by each other’s successes. They also share Bible stories with the children.
FEBA’s target audience
Like many other African countries, Mozambique is a scenic country rich in natural resources, culturally diverse, and has a tropical climate. However, the country’s turbulent history of wars has made it impossible for its people to enjoy the country’s natural advantages.
Unfortunately, the country has not yet developed a stable and diversified economy and about 70 percent of the total population lives in extreme poverty. About two-thirds of the people live and work in rural areas, and the least reached of these communities are FEBA’s target audiences.
Spreading the Gospel
The FEBA team of broadcasters is doing significant work to spread the Gospel through radio and live broadcasts. They guide listeners and provide the assistance they need to grow in their faith. Even though the pandemic had an impact on the team’s work, they continued to reach out to local communities, visited listeners, and provided aid.
Reaching the lost
In Lichinga, Radio FOT regularly sends out ten broadcasters at a time to ten different remote villages or towns. The team often has to travel through harsh terrain to reach the more secluded villages. They also distribute radios, audio Bibles, food, and other necessities as needed.
While visiting the villages or towns, the teams share information related to the radio programmes with the population. Where possible, they show the locals of the area live broadcasts on Facebook. Internet data is relatively affordable in Mozambique and is therefore an excellent alternative for FEBA’s ministry to employ in spreading the Gospel.
You can help support Mozambique
The FEBA Mozambique team recently attended the long-awaited FEBC International Leadership Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The focus was to equip the staff and leadership of radio stations from all over the world to overcome any obstacles, grow the FEBA and FEBC ministry, and how to have a larger and more permanent impact on their listeners’ lives.
FEBA South Africa is the support office that helps fund the wonderful work the FEBA Mozambique team is doing. We appreciate every donation given to the ministry, enabling us to change thousands of lives daily.
Amos Cossa
Listener testimony
“I joined the listeners’ club in 2016 after receiving a radio and audio Bible. At that time, I was making very bad decisions in my life. I would make medicine that was intended to inflict harm on and kill people. Upon receiving the radio, I was told to listen to it every day, and the more I listened, the more I became aware of how cruel my deeds were. I eventually stopped making medicine that caused harm to others. Since listening to Radio FOT, my life has truly changed. I am no longer the person I used to be because of the radio and audio Bible. I thank Radio FOT for helping me to change so many people’s lives.” – Amos Cossa*, Lichinga, Mozambique
PARTNER WITH FEBA
If you feel led to join forces with FEBA, you are invited to partner with the organisation. Please visit their website: febaradio.co.za or call 012 335 5708
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Date published: 18/02/2023
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