New Home, New Life

Afghanistan

Cartoon from New Home, New Life showing farmers in a poppy field

New Home, New Life has been broadcast every week for 14 years. It is the most popular cultural programme on the radio in Afghanistan.





We always thought radio was for men. May God bless those who thought of New Home New Life and thought of us.

Female listener from Khost

This makes it the perfect medium for putting across educational messages - especially to illiterate populations. Nearly two thirds of all radio listeners usually tune in to New Home New Life once a month or more - more than 14 million people.

Storylines are always informed by the needs of audiences and developed using the knowledge of specialist donor agencies and experts.

This ensures the drama provides much-needed information on a wide range of issues.

These have included:

Mine awareness education

One of the New Home, New Life characters lost his leg in a mine accident.

With the help of his family and friends, Jandad gathered enough money to have a artificial limb fitted.

He now works as a tailor and has renewed confidence.

UN research has identified a direct link between mine awareness levels and exposure to the Afghan Education Project programmes.

HIV and AIDS Prevention

The Afghan Education Project drama team has brought the sensitive debate around HIV and AIDS to the conservative Afghan country side.

The aim is to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS in Afghanistan by raising awareness of how the virus is transmitted and infection can be prevented. Discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS is also challenged.

Recent external audience research shows that there is an association between exposure to our programmes and desired changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around HIV and AIDS.

Other storylines encourage discussion on conflict issues, representing a wide range of viewpoints. This is to assist nation-building and aid reconciliation after conflict.

Gender issues are cross-cutting themes in all AEP programming.

"We always thought radio was for men. May God bless those who thought of New Home New Life' and thought of us." Female listener from Khost

Learning for Life

Four educational programme strands reinforce the messages delivered in New Home, New Life.

  • Village Voice: this provides practical information to rural audiences on issues such as reconstruction and rebuilding homes, agriculture, livestock, clean water and social issues - such as dowries.
  • City Voice: the rapid expansion of Afghan cities has created problems. The growing urban population has to contend with issues such as unemployment, city planning, drugs, rubbish collection and access to drinking water. City Voice investigates these issues.
  • Health and Life: this programme was first broadcast as 'Ask the Doctor' in 1998. It provides basic medical information to people who do not have regular access to medical services. It focuses particularly on maternal and child health issues.
  • People Talk: Following years of conflict, it's vital that Afghans contribute to the new nation-building processes. This popular talk show makes the public aware of the rehabilitation process and political progress.