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The school
we are working with are expanding and looking to enrol enough students to
increase numbers by 50% before the start of the new academic year in January.
AICT had secured some time on an evening talk show so we were brought along to
add some English language glamour.
The
majority of the time was spent giving an overview of the school in Swahili from
the Principal and other AICT staff. During a prolonged silence, everyone turned
and looked at Alice and she was beckoned to the microphone – clearly the
previous Swahili has been her introduction. Feverish whispering of ‘express
yourself’ and a room full of ‘thumbs up’ accompanied the commencement of Alice’s
fledgling radio career.
Swahilli word of the day: faraja (comfort)
Given 2
hours notice for our first appearance on Tanzanian radio, our Ron Burgundy
inspired vocal warm up routine was in full flow as we made our way to Faraja FM
studios in Shinyanga. Short notice is the order for the day here, even for a
looming live radio broadcast!
The school
we are working with are expanding and looking to enrol enough students to
increase numbers by 50% before the start of the new academic year in January.
AICT had secured some time on an evening talk show so we were brought along to
add some English language glamour.
The studio
was small with foam lined walls for sound proofing giving it the ambience of a
padded cell. There were 7 of us in a studio designed for less which made sharing
the one available mic and headphone set a tricky operation. Any noise was met
with some furious hand waving from the presenter who, ever the professional,
didn’t break stride as he organised his 7 guests, fielded incoming calls and
texts, monitored a temperamental A/C unit and timed his jingles to perfection.
The
majority of the time was spent giving an overview of the school in Swahili from
the Principal and other AICT staff. During a prolonged silence, everyone turned
and looked at Alice and she was beckoned to the microphone – clearly the
previous Swahili has been her introduction. Feverish whispering of ‘express
yourself’ and a room full of ‘thumbs up’ accompanied the commencement of Alice’s
fledgling radio career.
We both
spoke briefly and were very relieved when we had finished. Part of the show was
for callers to comment or ask questions. One was very happy to hear English
speakers on the radio – always good to get positive feedback from the masses! You can see more photos here.
It was all
felt a bit surreal, especially with so little notice. Apparently the programme
will be repeated during the week so any regular listeners to Faraja FM out
there may still be able to catch our dulcet tones. We also appear briefly in a
TV ad for the school – coming soon.
Swahilli word of the day: faraja (comfort)
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