The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), in collaboration with various other stakeholders, is in Kavango West, raising awareness about the importance of radio. 

This was the atmosphere at Sharukwe Combined School, in the Ncuncuni constituency, Kavango West. 

As part of the preparations for World Radio Day, celebrated annually on 13 February, MICT and stakeholders like NBC, NUST and many others have been visiting schools and communities this entire week. 

For the learners, this is an opportunity to physically meet their favourite radio personalities while also impersonating them. 

Apart from raising awareness about the importance of radio, the team also shared information on how to start a community radio station. 

They also educated the locals on how to identify cybercrimes as well as misinformation and disinformation. 

Radio presenters from NBC's various radio stations also exposed learners to various aspects of their work. 

Locals also had the opportunity to view radio equipment from decades ago, showing how the medium has evolved over the years. 

This is what some of the learners had to say about the outreach. 

"Today, I learned more and a lot about radio, especially when I read the news. I was just like, 'I'm so excited to act like Aurelia Mapi. It's so nice to learn.'"

"I never saw our journalists face-to-face, but today I saw them at our school, so I'm very excited for that."

"In my mind, I am always visualising holding a camera, advertising and so on, so I'm really hoping to one day go into the NBC studio and speak to the people." 

After visiting the school, the team also engaged community members at Kahuti village, where elders had the chance to share what they enjoyed most about radio and the changes that they would want to see in the future. 

This year, Namibia will celebrate World Radio Day under the theme "Radio and Artificial Intelligence" on 14 February at the Mururani Veterinary Checkpoint in Kavango West.