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hcr accepted an invitation to provide training and consultancy to Afno FM (Our FM). Afno FM is broadcast from two locations in Nepal. The project is an activity of Human Development & Community Services
The first station, in Dadeldhura, was launched in 2008. The second station, is located in Okhaldhunga, east Nepal and began broadcasting in 2009. 
There are altogether 6 staff in two stations: Okhaldhunga and Dadeldhura. The radio project aims to promote health and social development through information, education, advocacy, promoting social learning and entertainment. Programs cover agriculture, health, news, conflict and financial management.
People have changed their lifestyle because of Afno FM. Binu and Dhanu (pictured) walk up to four hours to meet people and talk directly to them about their needs and interest. Sometimes they travel two days just to make a half-hour program. The villagers are encouraged when the radio workers visit their village. So far they have visited 15 villages. Those weekly programs are popular among the farmers. They get good feedback.
- I came to the hospital because of Afno FM otherwise I could have stayed at home for long time.
- I love sharing my views.
- We want more educational programs.
- We also want to come and sing
- We like to present our village on your popular radio station.
- (The program about gender equality) is good program and we have learnt many things on equality.
One day an old man came to the station asking about the farming because he heard the program on radio. Interesting thing is that people come to Afno FM instead of going to the department of agriculture. We are trying to change this with strategies to include agriculture staff in both programming and on-the-ground activities.
Other links
Saraswati Thapa (blog)