DILI, 23 august 2021 (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State for Communications (SECOMS), together with the Timor-Leste Disabled Association (ADTL) will set up a community radio station for people with disabilities.
The radio station aims to give a voice to people with disabilities in Timor-Leste.
Jose da Costa, the National Director of Local Media Promotion and Development (DNPDML) of SECOMS, informed that: “This year we are going to have a new community radio called ‘Community Radio for People with Disabilities.’
Gaspar Afonso, the President of the Council of the Community Radio of People with Disabilities said that: “If we don’t start it right now, then when will we try it? We do have some colleagues who have basic skills in radio broadcasting. Apart from that, we also need support from other entities to operate this radio station. So, besides workshops, and press conferences, we also can express our thoughts through radio.”
He said it will give a voice to people with disabilities, adding: “The experience is a good way of developing people’s self-esteem, confidence, and communication.”
Afonso and his colleagues had been learning radio broadcasting at the Radio Liberdade, in Dili.
“We want to talk about our problems by ourselves. We also want to manage the radio ourselves, but we still need the support of SECOMS. I am thankful to SECOMS for setting up this radio station for people with disabilities,” said Afonso.
He said by the end of september, SECOMS and ADTL will launch the Community Radio of People with Disabilities.
“This station will be set up at AHISAUN, in Aimutin, Dili. So far, we have received financial support of US$ 3.275 from SECOMS to facilitate setting up this radio station,” said Afonso.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
