Talking Drum Studios - Cameroon

Both Talking Drum Studios (TDS) and Talking Drum Studios Girls use radio to inform people about political issues and to encourage participation in the political sphere. According to the organisers, radio is TDS's main means of communication since it is considered the best medium to reach people in an interactive and creative way. The programmes deal with a variety of topics related to good governance such as participation, democracy, equity, anti-corruption, gender, decentalisation, and migration, and use a variety of styles such as debates, field interviews with a diverse range of citizens, radio dramas, poetry, and music.

TDS holds workshops to train youth on radio production, debating skills, radio moderation, project management, networking, and use of participatory techniques. They also hold national festivals in Cameroon that involve youth from across the country engaging in political debate, theatre, music, and dance.

The project also has an internet component that uses podcasts and e-forums to encourage networking and international participation. This international networking is happening mainly through the YOW project. Youth from schools and universities in Germany and Cameroon (and soon Switzerland) are sharing information on and creating awareness about issues related to development politics (e.g. migration, trade, health, human rights, and environment), culture, and gender in their respective countries. This exchange is occurring through email, meetings, workshops, and international radio debates. YOW also holds training workshops for Cameroonian youth living in Europe and organises cultural exchange festivals.

Democracy, Youth.

According to the organisers, the approach used by TDS is completely participatory with the process being considered more important than the output. The process involves learning to work together following the principles of participation and networking. There is no leader or hierarchy, and every person can contribute. In this way the TDS youths hope to build a social movement that can grow indefinitely. Everyone is also able to learn as all knowledge is shared. In order to facilitate this process, the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) supporting youth groups merely consult but do not dominate the process.

The organisers believe that youth are important for the future of every nation, particularly in Cameroon. Since they form about 70% of the Cameroonian population, their activities can have a significant impact on society.