Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tonj (Agenzia Fides) - 'Proclaim the Gospel' is the motto of the radio station Don Bosco 91.0 FM in Tonj, a Salesian mission in South Sudan in the Bahr al-Ghazal region, which has been broadcasting the signal for 12 years. It is a precious tool at the service of the community, which was a dream of the Nigerian missionary Fr. Cyril Odia, made a reality on February 5, 2010 with Fr. Cyril as its first director. According to the note sent to Fides, the Salesian radio station has now become a means that acts as a megaphone for various missionary works: from the parish to primary and secondary schools, from the hospital to the oratory. Its contents are broadcast in five languages (English, Arabic, Dinka, Jur and Bongo) and its coverage currently ranges between 90 and 120 kilometres. "The programming grid is really complete - the note reads - the Gospel and the daily mass of the parish are broadcast, in addition to the Angelus, and space is given to programs on themes of spirituality, Marian insights and the music is generally of the gospel genre".
There is educational and social content that deals with issues relating to health, gender-based violence, family issues, produced in collaboration with the Tonj Mission Hospital. The radio is totally self-sufficient from an economic point of view thanks to programs subsidized by local organizations, the local government and advertisements. The proceeds cover the costs of managing the transmission of the signal and the 14 members of staff. The dream of the staff of Radio Don Bosco is to be able to install transmitters in all the Salesian communities in South Sudan to foster unity and cooperation among the young people who attend Salesian works, spread peace and proclaim the Gospel in every corner of the the country.
"We want to create a production center that keeps the traditions of South Sudan theater and music alive. As we are already well connected with many tribes, we can preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the country", said Fr. Tamil Selva, a Salesian from the Tonj community. The project brings a little hope to one of the poorest countries in the world, hard hit by severe drought and famine in recent months. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 18/7/2022)
