KATAVI: THE Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), in partnership with the UNESCO-Alwaleed Philanthropies Project, will commence capacity-building workshops for community radio and digital platform journalists in Tanzania’s Katavi and Rukwa regions today.
The week-long workshops aim to equip community radio journalists with skills to use their stations and digital platforms to promote intangible cultural heritage, creating employment opportunities for young people and women.
In Mpanda District, the participating community radio stations include Mpanda FM, Pamoja FM and Machesha FM. A cultural group from the University of Dodoma is also set to join. In Rukwa region, the four community radios scheduled to benefit are Voice of Sumbawanga, Ndingala FM, Chemchem FM and Nkasi FM.
In addition to community radio journalists, representatives from ITV, Daily News, The Guardian, Malunde blog and individual bloggers, all with digital platforms, will also attend.
TAMCODE is on a mission to leverage community radios and digital platforms to promote Tanzania’s intangible cultural heritage. The project, based in Katavi and Rukwa regions, is supported by the UNESCO-Alwaleed Philanthropies Project.
Led by H.R.H. Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Alwaleed Philanthropies partners globally to fight poverty, empower women and youth and promote intercultural understanding.
Under the title Crafting Change: Fostering Community-Based Development through Culture-Related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Employment, the project aims to create economic opportunities—especially for youths and women—while preserving Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
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This grant initiative is part of a broader three-year partnership between UNESCO and Alwaleed Philanthropies. It aligns with the newly adopted global Framework for Culture and Arts Education, emphasising local cultures, teacher training and recognising artistic skills in the professional sphere.
The Mpanda District Commissioner is expected to inaugurate the workshop in Mpanda, while the Sumbawanga District Commissioner will preside over the session in Sumbawanga. District cultural officers from each district will also attend. The workshops will include field visits to document activities related to intangible cultural heritage in both regions.
