Namibia
Mass Media - The Suzie and Shafa Show
Activity Dates
2002 - 2003
Activity Summary
The Suzie and Shafa Show was a 26-week radio variety show designed to improve life-skills and decision-making among 15-24-year-olds in the Greater Windhoek area. The program addressed the key factors Namibian youth are confronted with today, such as perceptions of risk toward HIV infection and HIV testing. For example, while two-thirds of the youth surveyed said they wanted to be tested for HIV, only about a quarter had ever actually been tested. The Suzie and Shafa Show addressed practical issues such as where to go for HIV testing, as well as lifestyle issues related to alcohol and drug use, relationships and dating, peer pressure, and sexual behaviours.
The show began broadcasting in September 2003 and aired in English on UNAM Radio 97.4 FM located on the campus of the University of Namibia, every Thursday at 5pm with a repeat on Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Each show was 45 minutes long and had 6 different segments:
- Host Dialogue: Two hosts, Suzie and Shafa, provided dialogue between program segments and gave additional factual information about the day's topic.
- What's Goin’ Down?: This section informed listeners about interesting places to go to in Windhoek and constructive activities they could get involved in during their spare time.
- Testimonials: In this segment, viewers were introduced to people with interesting life stories or experiences. Some were famous, others were just ordinary people from the community.
- The People Have Spoken (“Mad Milly”): A roving reporter went out onto the streets, schools and malls getting people’s opinions about the topic of the week.
- Drama – Death in the Dorm: This segment was a serial drama that was very popular with the listeners. Rebecca, a university student, is dead and her best friend, George, is arrested on suspicion of murder.
- Music: Short musical segments bridged sections of the show.
Among those who listened to The Suzie and Shafa Show (n = 90), over three-quarters said they agreed or strongly agreed it influenced them to protect themselves (77.8%). Almost two-thirds of listeners agreed or strongly agreed that the show increased both their self-efficacy (62.2%) and response-efficacy (64.4%), and three-quarters said it raised their HIV/AIDS knowledge (75.6%).
Research Reports/Publication
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HIV/AIDS Strategic Information Report: A Report of the Effects of the Suzie & Shafa Radio Show in Windhoek, Namibia [October 2004]
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Materials & Tools
Audience
Youth
Partners
University of Namibia
Back to Namibia
Note about materials: Some of the materials and resources listed on each page are available in their full form, others are represented by image or citation only. For more information and resources, go to www.jhuccp.org
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