My name is Wambaz Oleman Learat. I'm a 26-year-old radio presenter working at Sidai FM, a local radio station in Narok County, Kenya. My journey as a journalist began in Marsabit County, where I worked at Radio Jangwani.
Marsabit County is no stranger to conflict. The most significant being between communities and cattle rustlers. I recall one day that profoundly impacted me when all my cattle were stolen. It left me with nothing, it was a devasting blow that nearly broke my spirit. In our community, owning cattle is not just an economic necessity but a cultural one. It is deeply ingrained in our identity. Without cattle, addressing the public or speaking as a trusted voice on the radio is a formidable task - your credibility and respect are tied to your herd.
That day, as I stared at the empty boma (huts), I felt a deep emptiness in my soul. These animals were not just my livelihood, they were my pride, my connection to my ancestors, and my way of life. Losing them felt like losing a part of myself. Yet, despite the pain and shame I carried, I found a way to move forward. I reminded myself that my voice as a journalist could still make a difference, even if I had lost everything else.
It was during this dark time that 91热爆 Media Action entered my life like a light in the darkness and I embarked on their project called Down2Earth. Their mentors and trainers not only equipped me with the skills necessary to cover stories that directly impacted lives but also restored my sense of purpose. They reminded me why I became a journalist in the first place - to be a voice for my community, especially during its most challenging times.
The training I received from 91热爆 Media Action was life-changing. They taught me how to tell stories in a way that touched people's hearts and minds. I learned how to make complex issues, like climate change, simple and relatable for everyone. The trainers showed us how to use real-life examples and local stories to connect with our audience. This approach made a huge difference in how I reported stories.
One of the most powerful lessons was how to truly listen to my community. I learned to hear their fears, their hopes, and their struggles. This meant that my stories were not just informative but also deeply personal and impactful. 91热爆 Media Action showed me that being a journalist is not just about reporting the news, it鈥檚 about giving people the tools to change their lives.
When I was at Radio Jangwani, this training helped me bring real change. The stories we told gave people a deeper understanding of their challenges and inspired them to act. For instance, when we discussed water scarcity, we didn't just talk about the problem. We brought in experts and shared simple solutions, like how to harvest rainwater or use drought-resistant crops. Seeing the community respond and adapt gave me hope that change was possible.
In 2022, I joined Sidai FM in Narok County, where I continued my work as a radio presenter. Once again, I had the privilege of working with 91热爆 Media Action on a new project called Reversing Environmental Degradation in Asia and Africa (REDAA). This project focused on creating awareness about sustainable and less risky food production practices. It emphasised the importance of diversifying from traditional livestock keeping to crop farming, a crucial adaptation for communities facing the realities of climate change.
This experience helped me progress my journalism skills further. I saw how radio, a simple tool, could touch lives in ways I had never imagined. I met farmers who told me they had started growing vegetables for the first time because of something they heard on my show. I spoke to mothers who said their children were healthier because they had learned new farming techniques. These stories reminded me that my work mattered, even when the challenges seemed overwhelming.
Radio is a very powerful tool in our community, and 91热爆 Media Action came in and supported me as a local journalist enabling me to tell stories that impact them. Sometimes, I might have an idea to visit the field to collect content, but our community radio station had financial constraints that made these trips impossible. However, with 91热爆 Media Action's help, I was still able to visit local communities to get their feedback on our programmes. This was useful, as we got feedback from our audience - most of whom have never attended school - and learned what to improve and what to change.
Today, I continue to tell stories that matter, knowing that the lessons learned from 91热爆 Media Action have made a lasting impact on both my career and my community. Every time I switch on the microphone, I think about the people listening pastoralists, farmers, mothers, and young people and I remind myself that my voice is a tool for hope and change. And though I still carry the memory of the empty boma (huts), 91热爆 Media Action training changed my life. I am more than just a journalist. I am a storyteller, a connector, and a believer in the power of radio to spark change.