Jamtoli Information Line is a 30-minute Rohingya-language radio programme made by a group of refugees in Jamtoli camp. Each programme captures a critical issue which has been deemed important by the refugees, and allows Rohingya people and the humanitarian actors in the camp to have their say.
Jamtoli Information Line also includes topical health, rights and emergency messages, Rohingya music and songs and works closely with site management in Jamtoli to ensure critical information flows to those who need it.
The programme is narrowcast daily on loudspeakers at 45 locations in the camp, from tea shops to clinics to community kitchens.
Download the programmes here for use in listening groups and other outreach settings:
- Programme 1: Elephants in Jamtoli – Residents of Jamtoli’s H block describe what happened when an elephant came charging into the camp and destroyed several homes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, working in Jamtoli and other camps, explains why the elephant attacked, and provides some useful advice to the refugees on what to do if they see an elephant. An artist from Cox’s Bazar explains why he was involved in a campaign to protect the elephants in Jamtoli and other camps.
- Programme 2: Eid-al-Adha preparations – Rohingya people of Jamtoli, adults and children, recall their favourite Eid rituals, while the Jamtoli site manager, Christian Aid, informs the camp community of the plans for meat distribution, and waste management over the festival holiday. A local imam tells the story of the origin of Eid-al Adha, and two local musicians sing an Eid-themed song.
- Programme 3: Drinking water – In Jamtoli camp, Rohingya people have asked to know what improvements are being made in access to drinking water. Jamtoli Information Line interviews local residents to find out the scale of the problem, talks to a doctor about the dangers of drinking dirty water and then questions camp management and humanitarian actors responsible to find out what solutions they have planned. The programme also includes messages about how to boil water and use Aquatabs to purify water.
- Programme 4: Music for mental health – In Jamtoli camp, there are a number of local musicians who sing and play instruments. Many residents of the camp find the music a nice way to relax. Jamtoli Information line speaks to these musicians about their life in Myanmar and how they found music, and what kind of music people in the camp like to listen to. An imam tells us about his belief in the power of music. We also speak with a psychologist who provides some helpful tips on relaxing in tense situations.