DVV International Georgia conducted a two-part Radio Academy in July 2025 to strengthen the role of community radios hosted by Adult Education and Community Centres across the country. The training sessions were held in two regional hubs: Gori (July 7–11) and Kutaisi (July 23–27), and brought together 24 radio leaders and volunteers from 12 centers located in remote and underserved areas of Georgia.
The main objective of the Academy was to build the capacity of community radio representatives to develop and broadcast locally relevant content, with a focus on amplifying the voices of youth, elderly people, and other groups often underrepresented in mainstream media. The Academy aimed to promote media literacy, encourage civic participation, and support social cohesion at the local level.
The training programme was structured around three core modules designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Topics included the basics of radio and podcast production (equipment handling, audio recording and editing), content development techniques (community storytelling, engaging formats, issue-focused narratives), and distribution strategies (both offline and online broadcasting for wider outreach).
In line with DVV International’s adult education approach, the programme also incorporated interactive and learner-centered activities to ensure that the training was inclusive, participatory, and responsive to local needs. These activities enabled participants to develop content that reflects their communities’ realities and strengthens the social function of community radios as local communication platforms.
The Academy was organized within the framework of the “Radio Power” project, which was launched in June and will continue until December 2025. With the training phase now complete, participants are well-equipped to begin producing and broadcasting content, contributing to a more inclusive and community-driven media landscape in Georgia. The long-term vision of the project is to support the independent and sustainable operation of community radios beyond the project period.