e-Taalim

In spite of the growth of Internet and mobile phone usage, yet thousands of people in Africa are still cut off from the digital world. Young Africans search for their perspective in a globalized, knowledge-based society and wonder which path will lead them to a successful career or education. For instance, many ask what opportunities for learning and studying are available online and what opportunities globalization has to offer. Thousands more want to study in Europe, but don’t know what awaits them there.

Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster launched a new multimedia distance-learning programme, which brings knowledge to every corner of Africa. This innovative radio programme is called: “Learning by ear”. It examines the challenges that young Africans face and engages listeners in an informative and entertaining way. The programming is a lively mix of in-depth reports, radio dramas and feature stories that will provide listeners with an opportunity to get the necessary skills to succeed in Africa today and to discover a whole new world of knowledge. The target audience is girls and boys from 12 to 20 years of age.

“Learning by ear” programs are produced by African authors from across the continent, supported by dedicated Deutsche Welle staff. Learning by Ear is available in six languages: English, Kiswahili, French, Hausa, Portuguese and Amharic. Learning by Ear is supported by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

About DW: An international broadcaster based in Germany offering online, on-screen and over the air programmes. It provides a European perspective to audiences around the world and promotes intercultural dialogue.

According to its statutory mission, Deutsche Welle will “promote understanding of Germany as an independent nation with its roots in European culture and as a liberal, democratic, constitutional state based on the rule of law.” It is also meant to “provide a forum in Europe and on other continents to German and other points of view on important issues, with the aim of fostering understanding and exchange between cultures and people.” In addition, it will contribute to promoting the German language.

Deutsche Welle fulfills this mission with a journalistic portfolio that includes DW-RADIO and the multimedia Internet portal DW-WORLD.DE in 30 languages and with DW-TV in German, English, Arabic and Spanish. It also runs the DW-AKADEMIE, where radio professionals from developing and transition countries receive further training. This will also be developed into a Master’s program in the future. The DW-AKADEMIE also offers “Intercultural Media Training” for German executives and institutions looking to go abroad.