Radio Program Inspires Guardian to Send Disabled Child to School

A youth-led radio program on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio in Mchinji, Malawi, has sparked a significant change in one family's life. The "Let's Shine" program, which focuses on issues affecting disabled youth, recently featured an interview with Thokozani Malora, the guardian of a 13-year-old boy named Daniel Masautso, who was born without arms.

Prior to the interview, Thokozani had kept Daniel out of school, fearing ridicule from the community. However, the radio program educated her about the legal requirement and the importance of sending disabled children to school.

"I was very ignorant before I got involved in Let's Shine youth radio program on Mudzi Wathu. I was not aware that hiding a disabled child without sending him to school is a case punishable by law at the same time it also violates his birth right," Thokozani told Mudzi Wathu reporters.

The story of Daniel came to light when he attended a civil society organization meeting, where he demonstrated his ability to write with his feet, but was not being allowed to attend school. This caught the attention of Mudzi Wathu reporters, who then featured his story on their program.

13-year-old Daniel Masautso writes with his feet at school, demonstrating resilience and adaptability after his guardian was informed through a radio program that disabled youth have a right to an education.

This incident highlights the power of community radio in addressing sensitive social issues and promoting inclusivity. Mudzi Wathu, which means "our community" in the local language, has been instrumental in encouraging community dialogue and active participation of audiences to address issues that affect them since its establishment in 2006