We were
happy to read DAPCU SERIES IX in which an effort of our peer (DAPCU Kodagu) work
was covered. The series told us about their active involvement in conducting
awareness programme in local AIR station and also gave some suggestions on what
kind of spaces are available on the AIR. We DAPCU Mangalore team too thought of exploring
this opportunity with AIR Mangalore station. For the last 2 years DAPCU Mangalore
team has been part of programmes
on local FM channels on December 1st
World Aids Day, but we had never tried a programme on AIR. After reading the
series and reflecting we realised that AIR radio is still one of the main news
media in rural villages we should use it Mangalore too! We met DAPCU Kodagu during the State Review Meeting for DAPCUs and spoke
in detail to their team on how they got space on AIR, different formats of
programmes they have tried etc.
After the meeting we have approached Mrs Rohini, District Information and Broadcasting Officer and she directed us to meet Mr.Ashok, the programme officer of Mangalore AIR station who is in charge of broadcasting awareness programmes. The very next day the programme was recorded as an interview where the DAPCU Officer answered for the questions asked by the interviewer. The questions were related to HIV/AIDS and youth as well as services available in the district like ICTC/ART/ CCC/DLN etc. We had detailed discussion on why youth are more vulnerable to HIV, how they should be careful, and we also spoke of RRC activities in colleges. During the programme, I gave my mobile number and DAPCU office landline number for any further questions the audience may have.
We are now in the process of discussing the future programmes and the AIR Director has promised to provide slots for one week during World Aids Day campaign. He is also interested in giving a voice to the PLHIV community through the programmes. We have also decided on holding a programme regarding RRCs after the summer vacation (in June) so that misconceptions regarding it can be cleared and youth can be actively involved.
All of this was possible, because we paid attention to the achievement of another
DAPCU’s efforts covered in the DAPCU series. Truly an exchange of ideas can open many doors for us!
After the meeting we have approached Mrs Rohini, District Information and Broadcasting Officer and she directed us to meet Mr.Ashok, the programme officer of Mangalore AIR station who is in charge of broadcasting awareness programmes. The very next day the programme was recorded as an interview where the DAPCU Officer answered for the questions asked by the interviewer. The questions were related to HIV/AIDS and youth as well as services available in the district like ICTC/ART/ CCC/DLN etc. We had detailed discussion on why youth are more vulnerable to HIV, how they should be careful, and we also spoke of RRC activities in colleges. During the programme, I gave my mobile number and DAPCU office landline number for any further questions the audience may have.
The programme was broadcasted on the
very next day on 9th March at 8pm in youth programme slot (Yuv Vani)
and we started receiving calls while the programme was on air. We were
surprised that youth from far of regions were calling with queries. Over the
week after the programme we received over 15 calls! Some of the youth clarified
their doubts on HIV and availability of services. It was interesting to note
that though some youth had heard about Red Ribbon Clubs they thought it was
only for positive people. We need to work on this misunderstanding.
We are now in the process of discussing the future programmes and the AIR Director has promised to provide slots for one week during World Aids Day campaign. He is also interested in giving a voice to the PLHIV community through the programmes. We have also decided on holding a programme regarding RRCs after the summer vacation (in June) so that misconceptions regarding it can be cleared and youth can be actively involved.
All of this was possible, because we paid attention to the achievement of another
DAPCU’s efforts covered in the DAPCU series. Truly an exchange of ideas can open many doors for us!
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