In response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in western Nepal, ACORAB undertook a comprehensive initiative to enhance the resilience of affected community radios stations and local communities. The project, supported by UNESCO and later UNDP, aimed to establish better resilience, effective post-disaster communication,coordination mechanisms through community radio stations serving as a lifeline for affected areas.
Results were diverse, with 6 radio stations receiving equipment support and infrastructure support aiding the recovery of 10 community radio stations. The initiative "Jeevan Rakshya," meaning "saving lives," broadcasted 30 daily-live episodes across ten community radio stations in earthquake-affected regions by selected one radio as the main content producer and earned recognition for addressing post-earthquake issues, boosting radio listenership, and featuring engaging content with 50 community guest speakers. It provided psychological counselling to 140 affected journalists and offered allowance packages to 10 radio journalists, ensuring their well-being and dedication to program production.
Mentorship for 20 radio journalists emphasised accuracy, fairness, balance, and the avoidance of sensationalism, addressing common misinformation patterns related to earthquakes. The radio program facilitated communication pathways with communities and local authorities in 13 municipalities/rural municipalities, garnering 223 participations through phone calls and inquiries, reinforcing community coordination. The initiative empowered 14 journalists, contributing to disaster response strategies, safety, preparedness, and accurate information dissemination.
Serving as a platform for empowerment, support, and advocacy, it substantially enhanced resilience and preparedness for future disasters and underscored the robustness of community radios during the disaster, leaving a lasting impact on affected communities in Jajarkot and Rukum districts.

https://www.acorab.org.np

• Jajarkot and Rukum West (Karnali Province), Nepal, Nepal (Republic of)

Community centric approach: The adaptability of the project lies in its flexible structure, and collaboration with key stakeholders as per the community. The tailored radio content and support to community radio stations can readily be adjusted to address specific requirements in different disaster-affected regions, ensuring its relevance within local contexts. The program's success in Jajarkot and Rukum West attests to the efficacy of this approach across various scenarios. Its transmission across ten community radio stations underscores its versatility and effectiveness in aiding both stations and communities as a disaster response initiative.
Establishing vital communication channels and partnerships: Through establishing vital communication links across multiple municipalities and rural areas, it builds a scalable model applicable to comparable disaster-prone regions, enhancing coordination within communities. Additionally, the collaboration with UNESCO and UNDP played a pivotal role in supporting community radio stations, and this model can be replicated by forming alliances with international organisations or local entities dedicated to disaster response and community development. Such partnerships contribute crucial resources, expertise, and funding, promoting the sustainability and expansion of the program.
Capacity building: Another factor contributing to replicability is the focus on cultivating journalism skills among radio journalists. Replicating this element entails investing in training initiatives to augment the capabilities of local media professionals. This not only enhances efficient disaster communication but also strengthens the broader media landscape in the region. The project's success in elevating the skills of 34 radio journalists as well as presents a transferable framework for empowering media professionals in diverse disaster contexts, thereby aiding in the implementation of effective disaster response strategies and information dissemination.

Flexibility: The project's flexible structure allows for adaptation to the evolving needs of the community, ensuring ongoing relevance and engagement. The program's capacity to tailor radio content contributes to its sustained effectiveness over time.
Community ownership: The program's dedication to community empowerment, efficient resource utilisation, targeted assistance advocacy, and accountability further reinforces a sense of ownership within community radio stations, emphasising the significance of their network during disaster responses. As a result, these stations have developed additional programs akin to this model, fostering community engagement not only in disaster response but also in addressing daily issues.
Community participation: The inclusion of local authorities in the program enables community radio networks to customise channels for addressing diverse community concerns beyond disaster response. This proactive approach establishes a foundation for addressing future issues and ensures the continued applicability of the program. Active community participation and tangible benefits derived from the program create a sustainable model, fostering ongoing community support and engagement. The program's holistic commitment to community involvement positions it as a lasting and impactful initiative.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, ACORAB's swift and tailored response, including a radio program broadcast across ten community stations, played a vital role in disseminating critical information. The program actively engaged local voices, preserving cultural diversity and linguistic identity, fostering a sense of community. Freedom of expression and media empowerment were key, providing a platform for diverse voices and investing in capacity building for local journalists. Ethical considerations, including gender and social inclusion policies, showcased a commitment to responsible information and communication technologies use. The partnership with UNESCO and UNDP Nepal exemplified international cooperation, addressing local post-earthquake concerns. Multi-stakeholder involvement ensured a comprehensive response to community challenges, emphasising a community-centric approach with a focus on empowerment, resource efficiency, targeted advocacy, and accountability. Embracing environmental sustainability, the program utilised satellite networks and online platforms, minimising environmental impact and contributing to awareness and conservation efforts. The social impact was profound, acting as a lifeline for affected communities, fostering trust, empowering voices, and addressing broader societal challenges in a holistic manner.