DREAM UNFOLDS FOR YOUNG LAD

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Tshegofatso Odellah Lesotlho

Location : GABORONE

Event : Feature

He is founder of The Broadcasters, a youth organisation that promotes media issues among the youth. He is also a very ambitious young man by the name of Layani Brian Elias from Goshwe, a small village 17Km away from Tutume. Layani grew up in a strict extended family and that truly explains his humbleness. When he was still growing up, he wanted to be a teacher as he was staying with one but that would later change at senior secondary school when he developed an insatiable appetite for radio.

Layani first came to Gaborone to study at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology where he enrolled for a broadcasting and television course to realise his dream as a broadcaster.

He also studied sign language, psycho-social support and environmental issues. When his appetite for radio grew even more bigger whilst at Limkokwing, he approached one of his lecturers for advice on how to go about his passion.

The lecturer advised him to do voluntary attachment at RB1. Layani also had a stint at Botswana Television as a reporter. Whilst at RB1, he was assigned to do a programme called Youth Basket. Notwithstanding his limited experience behind the microphone, he grabbed the bull by the horns. That gave him a chance to attend a number of media events.

From that little exposure developed an idea to set up his own business. He shared the idea with his friends and they liked it. That was when The Bbroadcasters was born with the objective of promoting media issues. The Broadcaster`s first assignment was a charity event where they helped a group dealing with Gender Based Violence (GBV) to lend support to a Ramotswa woman who was set ablaze by her boyfriend. They donated clothes and food.

Layani and his business associates also organised a radio day event for schools to promote radio among youth. The students participated in debates and quizzes. Layani reckons “success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

“Limkokwing University do support their students a lot because they always encourage us to start our own businesses, so we get a lot of support from management and lecturers,” he says.

He adds “if we are stuck with something we go to school and we do appreciate their help because they do keep us motivated. That way we work hard to avoid being paupers as there is a lot of unemployment in the country”.

During charity events, the broadcasters dig deep into their own pockets. The group comprises 25 members who make monthly contributions of P30 to keep the organisation running.  Their aim is to have organised 30 charity events by the end of this year.

Apart from doing charity work, their plan is to have a radio and television station as well as a print section to realise their dream of owning a media house and creating employment.

The Broadcasters are looking for sponsors so that they can be able to achieve their dream. Some of those who have come on board are Capri, Limkokwing, President Hotel, MISA Botswana and some members of parliament. ENDS

Teaser:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out”.

“If we are stuck with something we go to school and we do appreciate their help because they do keep us motivated. That way we work hard to avoid being paupers as there is a lot of unemployment in the country.”