The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
less than
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 27 years ago
Last updated 1 year ago
Read so far

Radio Favela - Brazil

0 comments

Radio Favela is an unlicensed FM radio station in Belo Horizonte, Brazil's 3rd largest city. Police stopped trying to shut down the station (for not having a license) when it proved vital in helping authorities find survivors when a flood hit the neighborhood years ago.
Communication Strategies

Citizens of the favela use the station as a soundboard for questions and concerns, as well as a place to receive and allocate donated goods. As a regular feature, an announcer reads the local newspaper; a service to a community that has an estimated 25% literacy rate.
Development Issues

Economic development, rights, youth, education.
Key Points

Radio Favela began in the 1970's in the hopes of providing youth alternatives to drug-trafficking. It has won awards from the United Nations for these efforts. Advertising revenue from the station has been donated to build a classroom for citizens to get remedial tutoring.
Sources

Wall Street Journal.