A member of a community radio demonstrates the proper way of washing hands to tribals
BHUBANESWAR: In the hinterlands of Odisha, where tribals do not have exposure to information, community radios are trying to fill that void. They have been providing updates on Covid-19 and sensitising villagers about preventive methods to keep the virus at bay.
As many as 13 community radio stations have adopted nearby villages to keep them updated about Covid through their campaign ‘Nua Sakalara Katha’ (story of a new dawn) and help villagers practice wearing mask, maintain social distancing and wash hands regularly. The campaign has received support from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad and Young India, an NGO.
May 22, 2021
The virtual shutdown of all economic activities due to Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive loss of livelihoods. Millions of workforces in the unorganised sector has been one of the worst affected sections of society. Further, a significant part of this workforce has reverse migrated from cities to rural areas. In order to address this migrant crisis, Young India,a Odisha based development organisation in partnership with United States Department of State, implemented an awareness campaign “Nua Sakalara Katha” to create awareness on Covid-19 and to facilitate employment opportunities for migrant labours through different govt. schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
These radio stations have adopted 81 villages to generate awareness among communities to deliver key messages on quarantine, social distancing, use of masks, proper handwashing and to prevent misinformation.
BHUBANESWAR: Tribal people of some rural pockets in the state do not have exposure to several information sources, but Community Radios try to give updates on Covid-19 issues and sensitize them about the preventive steps to keep the second wave of pandemic at bay.
As many as 13 Community Radio stations have adopted nearby villages to keep them updated about Covid through its campaign ‘Nua Sakalara Katha’ (story of new morning) and help them to adopt the practice of using masks, maintaining social distancing and hand washing. The campaign has received support from US Consulate General Hyderabad and Young India, an NGO.