A Western Cape school for visually-impaired pupils has launched its own radio station and Radio Academy.
The Pioneer School for the Visually Impaired in Worcester has its online radio station broadcasting live from the school every Wednesday from 7pm until 8pm.
According to Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, pupils share stories and news, do interviews and report on all activities at the school.
“They are also trained in proper microphone etiquette, operating the various aspects of a studio, producing, sound engineering, compiling and presenting specialised programmes, scriptwriting and compilation of radio ads, etc.” Hammond said.
School Principal Michael Bredenkamp said the purpose of this new addition to the school was to educate and empower blind and visually impaired pupils to become broadcasters and, in turn, create employment.
The school’s music teacher Quinten Pendle is the driving force behind the radio project.
“As a blind person, I have had to compete with other ‘normal’ or ‘sighted’ people to get a job and to provide for my family,” said Pendle.
“When I started teaching at Pioneer School at the beginning of last year, I wanted to contribute towards enriching the lives of our pupils, equipping them with skills and knowledge that they could apply in a practical manner once they leave school,” he said.
Pendle has been involved with a community-based radio station in Malmesbury, Perron FM, for six years.
Visit http://s2.stationplaylist.com:7124/listen.mp3 to tune in.