Implementation Reports on IPDC Projects Approved in 2009 - Unesco

PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY THE DAR ES SALAAM CLUSTER OFFICE
NATIONAL PROJECT
TANZANIA: CAPACITY BUILDING OF THE NEW COMMUNITY MEDIA
NETWORK OF TANZANIA
BUDGET CODE: 354 URT 5091
US$ 24 000
TYPE OF PROJECT
This project is intended to support the Community Radio professionals in Tanzania to develop a professional
network that will bring standardization into the Community Media sector, improve the ethical conduct and act a
lobby group for community media in the country. Unfortunately the Community media sector has not developed
at the same pace with public and private media, despite the developments in the media, which since the
introduction of multiparty politics in Tanzania in 1990s led to the increase in media outlets.
Due to the challenges inherent in Community Media in Tanzania, Community media stakeholders in Tanzania
found it necessary to have their own network as a platform to advocate for better operating environment in
favour of community media. They came up with the Community Media Network of Tanzania (COMNETA), a
very young virtual network, which wasn’t registered and lacked organisational capacity.
The Capacity building project for Community Media Network of Tanzania (COMNETA) was therefore deemed
essential because COMNETA with its lack of capacity, became the only place where communities and the
Media come together and, identify themselves, created dialogue with the Government and other stakeholders; it
is the Place where support is guaranteed to all members who may not be able to take action alone when
confronted with regulatory challenges; provides a platform for sharing resources etc. Furthermore, COMNETA
will provide platform for sharing experience and knowledge. Most of all will help in decision making on
matters that concern community radios such as in matters related to policy and legislative changes affecting
community media.
IMPLEMENTATION
To achieve the above mentioned objectives the following were the activities envisaged to be accomplished
through the approved project:
� Drafting of the COMNETA Constitution
� Registration of the network and licence
� Capacity building of Community Media network members through two training opportunities
� COMNETA Leadership capacity developed
� Development of Strategic plan and implementation plan.
RESULTS
A technical and advocacy workshop for community media in Tanzania was held in Micheweni, District in
Pemba Island from October 4-8, 2010.The workshop was attended by coordinators from 12 community radio
network members and officiated by a high level representation from the government led by the Deputy Chief
Minister and Minister of Information and Culture and Sports of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar,
There was also the participation of the Commission for Science and Technology and National and regional
development partners such as Akiba Uhaki based in Kenya - a regional organization providing grants to non-
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