Learners from Athlone School for the Blind are offering a different point of view with the launch of their community youth radio station, EYe FM.
The launch kicked off on Tuesday at the school’s very own broadcasting station, where esteemed guests had the opportunity to witness the learners execute their first live interview with deputy principal,Haley Paulse.
The room was filled with excitement as months of preparation went into the project and music speakers were placed inside the school’s auditorium as everyone was tuned in to the show.
Paulse commended the children and Bonita Blankenberg, who is also visually impaired, and has been training the children to get them radio ready.
“I feel proudly excited, overjoyed and a bit of relief because it has been a long time coming. I am very proud of our learners because they have worked hard and they have a harder journey than most learners their age.
“So when they achieve anything, then pride and gratitude towards our heavenly father for giving them such a wealth of intelligence.
"You think one thing is taken away, which is their sight, but they have got more talent added to them as opposed to other learners.
“It was just a dream and an idea and it came to fruition. This is a continued journey, it does not just stop here. I am so proud of the learners and overjoyed for overcoming so many obstacles.”
Athlone School for the Blind proudly launches their very own radio station, EYe FM.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The learners will rotate a broadcasting schedule but kicking off the first-ever show and live broadcast sounding like a natural on air was Sarah Chauke, 21, who is currently in matric.
While Chauke was broadcasting, the other learners were close to the laptop excitedly listening along and making sure no noises were being made outside the door of the radio station.
“At first I was nervous but when I was behind that mic I told myself, ‘you know what girl you can do this and you are going to do it’. It was nice but I was also nervous at the same time.
“I can’t wait for the next shows that we are going to be broadcasting. I see a lot of potential in my colleagues and I see us going very far and being big as Heart 104.9 FM.”
“I have a passion for radio because I love speaking and I do see myself working in that field.”
To tune in check out EYe FM on Facebook for updates.
Cape Argus