From September 30 to October 2, 2026, journalists from community radios in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, are participating in a capacity-building workshop on disaster prevention and response. The training, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Media, aims to equip community radios with the necessary skills to effectively respond to disasters. The workshop was officially opened by Mme Rhoda Makwala, Chief of Bureau, in charge of press freedom, who emphasized the importance of community radios in disseminating critical information during crises.
Mme Makwala highlighted the critical role community radios play in the country's media landscape, serving as a vital link between authorities and local populations. She urged participants to utilize the skills acquired during the workshop to transform their listeners into agents of change. The DRC is currently facing unprecedented environmental and climate-related risks, including floods, deforestation, and erosion. Mme Makwala stressed that community radios have a significant responsibility in informing and sensitizing the public to these risks, and that simply providing information is not enough; they must also work to save lives.
The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of community radios to prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring that they can provide reliable and timely information to their audiences. Mme Claudine Ndaya, UNESCO's Communication and Information Program Officer, emphasized that prevention is crucial in mitigating the impact of disasters. She noted that community radios can play a vital role in disseminating alerts, promoting responsible behaviors, and highlighting existing solutions within communities.
Mme Ndaya explained that the role of community radios in disaster response goes beyond simply reacting to crises; they must also work to prevent them. She highlighted UNESCO's commitment to supporting community radios in developing their own mechanisms for disaster preparedness and response. The organization aims to accompany community radios in strengthening their capacities to provide effective information during emergencies, ensuring the safety of their personnel, and guaranteeing the continuity of their services.
The workshop is part of UNESCO's broader mandate to promote freedom of expression, access to information, and media development, while contributing to efforts to prevent risks, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. Mme Ndaya expressed her hope that the three-day workshop will enable community radios to become stronger, journalists to become better prepared, and communities to become more resilient in the face of risks and disasters.
The training is expected to enhance the professionalism and engagement of community radios, enabling them to effectively respond to disasters and provide critical information to their audiences. Mme Makwala and Mme Ndaya both emphasized the importance of collaboration between community radios, authorities, and international organizations in promoting disaster prevention and response.
The capacity-building workshop is a significant step towards strengthening the resilience of communities in the DRC, particularly in Kinshasa, where community radios play a vital role in disseminating information. By enhancing the capacity of community radios, UNESCO and the Ministry of Communication and Media aim to promote a culture of disaster prevention and response, ultimately saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters.
Key points
- UNESCO trains community radios in Kinshasa on disaster prevention and response.
- The DRC faces unprecedented environmental and climate-related risks, including floods and erosion.
- Community radios play a vital role in disseminating critical information during crises in the DRC.
