Another testing

1, 2, 3...testing, testing

We would like the world to hear us, so we are going to try to include audio files in this blog soon.

Vacancy Announcement for Station Manager (Lao)

Vacancy Announcement for Station Manager

Khoun Community Radio for Development is recruiting one highly motivated station manager to manage the radio station, mobilize and lead volunteers, and work with partners.

Key Responsibilities:

· Coordinate the work by all units and other activities of the radio station;

· Plan and lead monthly planning meeting with all unit heads;

· Act as a coach for volunteers and board members;

· Support and assist a production unit and monitor the quality of programme productions;

· Implement the partnership strategy and organize fundraising;

· Oversee financial administration;

· Organize outreach activities;

· Act as a secretary to the station board;

· Prepare a work plan and report, monthly, quarterly and annually.

Requirements:

· Possession of at least a diploma holder in social-science, linguistic and education;

· Knowledge or experience in community mobilization or community development;

· Experience in working with NGOs, the government or development organizations;

· Experience in media is an advantage;

· Knowledge of a local language (Khmu or Hmong) is an advantage;

· Possession of working English is an advantage;

· Computer literacy (e.g. Words, Excel…);

· Willingness to work in remote locations and with ethnic people.

Please send detailed CVs along with a letter of interest in Lao and/or English by 28^th January, 2010 to: Khoun Radio Support Project, PO Box 0230/A, Phonekham village, Pek district, Xiengkhouang or

Email: khounradio@gmail.com or Fax: 061 213250.

For more detail, please contact us during office hours at 0305171534

Only short-listed candidates will be notified for interview.

Dormitory for Volunteers

This dormitory was built with support from both the (UNDP) project and government of Khoun district (land, wood...). It's a simple two-room shelter equipped with simple furniture. It was deemed necessary to have such facility built for volunteers working for Khoun Community Radio for Development who have to travel to the station from their remote village to work. Before this dormitory was built, volunteers had to sleep on the floor in the station when they could not travel home at night or when it rained. The dorm is located just few meters from the station. It also provides a resting place for volunteers. Now, two of male volunteers are occupying one of two rooms. The other room is kept vacant for female volunteers. Those who are staying in this dorm also help to safeguard the station.

Have you seen or visited our station yet?

People often ask us if they could visit us and talk to our volunteers. Please be assured that we are always happy to receive people's visits. If you happen to be in Khoun district, please drop by to see us 'in action'. Ask people in Khoun for direction. People know us; we're quite famous here. And also, don't forget to donate to 'volunteers welfare fund'.

If you have a radio receiver, please tune in to FM 94.5 MHz when you're in Khoun or neighboring districts . If you hear us, you could request for your favorite songs or comment on a programme.

If you'd like to have a formal visit, please contact 'Khoun Radio Support Project' (see contact detail on the right); we'll assist you with arrangement and other logistics.

Hope to see you here.

A broadcast studio of Khoun Community Radio for Development

Do I have to be a rocket scientist to do this?

Once upon a time this morning, a group of Khoun Radio volunteers was testing a mobile radio recently bought to be used for community mobilization.

Being ignored during assembling 'antenna system', Lavanh (on the right) asks: 'Can I try?'. No response from Neng Yang (on the left). She looks upset a bit.

Neng Yang (to Lavanh): 'It's not a woman's job. You should stay in the shade; it's too hot in here.'
Lavanh (insists): 'But I really want to try.'

Neng Yang: 'OK. But please be careful.'
Lavanh: 'Like this?'
Lavanh: 'This is easy and fun!'




Lavanh: 'Done! You boys should have let me help out earlier; you wouldn't have had to stay in the sun this long.'


Erection of an antenna is done. Now, the group moves on to set up 'the broadcasting console'. It consists of a mixer, an MP3 player, a pair of microphones, a CD player, computer...

Neng Yang now lets Lavanh help with the setup without her having to ask him.



(BTW, this mobile radio works!)

We've been heard. And now...

we are seen and read,too.

Khoun Radio is honored to have received H.E Dr Mounkeo Oraboun, Minister of Information & Culture, on Friday, November 21, 2008, during his mission to Xiengkhouang.

He was accompanied by Dr Thongsa Sayyavongkhamdy, a head of National Heritage Department, Lao National TV crew, and a journalist from Pasaxone Newspaper (People's Newspaper), and welcomed by a head of Provincial Department of Information and Culture, Mr Somephone Philavong as well as Khoun district authorities.

Khoun Radio had previously invited Dr Mounkeo to attend the official launch of the station in Khoun (October 22, 2007), the community radio seminar in Vientaine (November 1, 2007), and the community radio workshop in Xiengkhouang (October2, 2008). However, he was unable to attend any one of these due to his busy schedule. When we heard he was in Xiengkhouang for the special ceremony to commemorate those who lost their lives in Thampew Cave, we invited him to visit our station in Khoun. He agreed.

At the station, he was interviewed on air to share some thoughts and advice about community radio.

He first congratulated Khoun authorities on making Khoun Radio successful and encouraged them to continue to support this radio to ensure that it would serve Khoun people better and better. He also said, "Please keep up your good work. I understand that this radio will be developed as a community radio model...We will continue to previde guidelines and support."

Before leaving the station, Dr Mounkeo and Dr Thongsa also wrote on a guest book.


The transcript of Dr Mounkeo's words on the radio will be available soon.

It's not just a cap

...but a cap with a message or two. Check out our new design of the cap to be given out during community mobilization. Come and join us if you want one.

Khoun Radio Bumper Stickers

Wouldn't you wish you could be here in Khoun right now?

Besides a singing contest, we are also organizing a volleyball competition as part of a series of activies for the station launch. We are just thrilled and overwhelmed with responses we have received so far from the local communities, be it a singing contest, a volleyball match, cheering the game, and so on. It is a good sign, right?


Ready, Set, Go!


Policemen cheering for their team (Police playing against Health)

This policeman (in red) is watching intensely and waiting for his turn to play in the next match.

Regardless of who are a winner or loser, at the end of each game, they all sit together and drink Beerlao!