Coronavirus: Rwandan radio stars spread hygiene message
- Published
A group of young people in Rwanda have been writing and producing a series of radio dramas to teach listeners about the vital role hand-washing and sanitation play in preventing the spread of diseases such as Covid-19.
The radio plays were produced in partnership with the charity WaterAid, over an 18-month period.
And photographer Elena Heatherwick has created a series to show the radio producers at work.
Sandrine, 14, plays Agasaro, with her mother, Kanakuze, played by Solonge, 20
Broadcast on Radio Ishingiro, the plays reach four million listeners, a third of the population of Rwanda.
Solonge's brother Danny, six, listens to her on the radio
Rwanda imposed Africa's first lockdown following the spread of coronavirus, on 22 March.
The cast have a pep talk before recording
Martha Uwimana, a school water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) officer for WaterAid in Rwanda, says: "The dramas are playing a crucial role in helping prevent the spread of Covid-19.
"People are being encouraged to remain at home for 14 days, so radio is a powerful tool."
With fragile health systems and a lack of access to clean water, African countries may be severely affected by the virus.
Evode, 20, wants to be a professional actor. He lives with his disabled father, who was attacked during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and his mother, a farmer
And with one in four Rwandans unable to read and many not owning a television, radio is the most popular medium for news and information.
The young people produce everything in the dramas, including the writing, acting, and even sound effects such as creaking doors and animal noises.
Solonge lives with her family in Bugesera, eastern Rwanda
Solonge says: "I taught my mother how to be hygienic and showed her that if you don't wash your hands, you are going to catch diseases.
"The dramas really are changing lives and that makes me feel important and really happy."
Sandrine, 14, who plays Agasaro, says: "It feels good to listen to yourself on the radio"
Emmanuel, 17
Her mother, Emelthe Mukashyakh, says: "All my neighbours have been listening to her and talking about her and that makes me feel really proud.
"I never used to cover the latrine or wash my hands after going to the toilet.
"I now understand good hygiene and sanitation is the source of good health.
"It is so important."
Solonge, Emelthe and Danny listen to one of the plays
A cloth covers the equipment, as rain stops the recording
All photographs courtesy WaterAid/Elena Heatherwick/People's Postcode Lottery