Online course

A free, two-month online training course will be offered to all competition participants. The purpose is to assist participants with writing the radio scripts.

Participation in the course is voluntary. However, we do recommend that everyone follow the course since it will provide valuable knowledge about the writing process. For those with very limited internet access, the course will be available on CD-ROM.

Course outline

The course covers the following:

  • Understanding farmer innovation
  • The 8 steps of the story-based approach to farm radio scriptwriting
  • Some ideas on who can help you find out about farmer innovation in your area
  • Using the internet for your research
  • Developing a focus statement for your script
  • Understanding different radio formats
  • Conducting better interviews
  • Putting your radio piece and script together
  • Using clips in a piece
  • Writing for the ear
  • Writing better introductions

Radio broadcaster

How it will work

The course will be given through the online learning portal Moodle. Once you sign up and confirm your registration here on our website, we will automatically register you in Moodle. As soon as the course starts you will be able to access it from any computer with an internet connection. For participants who live in a remote area and have very limited internet access , a CD-ROM version of the course is available. You request to get the CD-ROM when registering for the competition. (Please note that due to the limited number of CD-ROMs available, all participants cannot receive a copy.)

How to sign up

If you wish to take part of this online training course, just go to the sign up page and register for the Scriptwriting Competition. Further information will be sent to you by e-mail.

Certification and awards

A course certification will be issued by Farm Radio International and sent to participants who complete the course.  A Sandisk Sansa mp3-player will also be enclosed with the certification. The mp3-player has a built-in radio and microphone which means that you will be able to both record and listen to your own radio programs.