Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - “Our radio station hopes to reawaken the people of God, beginning with the Diocese of Matadi, and reaching out to the entire population,” said Fr. Philibert Mayengele, Director of the diocesan radio and television stations, “Kukiele,” sponsored by the Diocese of Matadi (Province of Bas Congo, DRC), in an interview with the Congolese Catholic news agency “DIA.”
Fr. Mayengele said that the name “Kukiele” in Kikongo means “reawaken” and was chosen by Bishop Gabriel Kembo Mamputu of Matadi, in memory of the first magazine of the Diocese of Matadi, which was published in the 30s.
Although the stations are 50% religious themes and contemporary themes, Fr. Mayengele stressed that the stations exist mainly as a voice for the community. “Our station is a response to the requests made by Christians in the area,” the Director said.
The station operates thanks to a group of members of Catholic Action and other movements in the Diocese.
The team was trained in a 6-day course on how to prepare programs and ethics in journalism. They continue learning more all the time.
In addition to the religious programs, thanks to the collaboration of local laity, “Kukiele” radio also has programs and political themes, such as “Signs of the Times,” “Open Microphone,” and economic themes (“Banks and Development”, “The Economic World”), and social themes (“Education for Life”, “Civil Education”), mainly geared towards young people.
An important cultural element is also that of promoting the Kikongo language and defending the traditional values of the Kongo culture, through programs such as “Anecdotes from home,” “Counsel from the Elderly,” “Culture and tradition,” and “University and Health.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2009)
