On 15 April 2014 in El Fasher, North Darfur, UNAMID, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, officially launched Voices of Children, the first Darfuri radio programme made by children, for children. The programme, produced by six children from El Fasher and the Zam Zam and Abu Shouk camps for displaced people, is broadcast in a format designed to provide entertainment and information, and encourage the involvement of children in the peace process.

To support the young journalists in their work, UNAMID Radio established a scholarship help pay their annual school fees. Taj Alasafia, a 15-year-old secondary school student, says he enjoys his work in public-service broadcasting. “I am happy to be part of Voices of Children,” says Taj, who recently won a national award for Best Radio Producer for his role in the programme. “I want to be heard on radio discussing issues of concern within the community.”

Speaking at the launch event, the Minister of Social Affairs, Mr. Khalil Abdallah Adam, expressed his appreciation for the programme and said that the Darfur conflict has had a negative impact, in particular, on children. “We have to inculcate the values of peaceful coexistence in our children so that they, in turn, become positive role models within their communities, thereby ensuring a brighter future for Darfur,” he said.

Voices of Children, aired on Al Salaam Radio each week, is supported by UNAMID personnel, who provide the young journalists with studio equipment and office supplies, along with training in interviewing and editing. The programme is running in a pilot phase in El Fasher, North Darfur, and is expected eventually to expand to other Darfur states and possibly also across Sudan.