DW produces ‘Learning by Ear’ for Afghanistan

Deutsche Welle has started production of a fourth series of its educational radio program Learning by Ear for Afghanistan. Recorded in Dari and Pashto, it now includes more than 6,000 minutes of content.

A team of more than 50 actors, reporters and technicians is creating over 200 episodes aimed at young listeners between 12 and 20 years of age.

With a mix of in-depth reports, radio dramas and feature stories, the producers examine the challenges young people face in their everyday lives and offer practical advice. Launched in 2009, the interactive distance-learning program is supported by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and available via radio and on the Internet.

According to DW, nearly one-third of the Afghan population regularly listens to its radio service in Dari and Pashto, most of them via DW’s partner station Ariana FM.

Since the cooperation began in 2007, DW’s listener base in Afghanistan has greatly increased. Ariana FM broadcasts DW’s news bulletins, radio magazines and shows such as Learning by Ear in 33 out of the country’s 34 provinces during prime-time hours.