Liberia: youth radio reporter sings about her love of gospel music
Monrovia, Liberia, 25 February 2010 – Last summer, 11-year-old Amelia got to spend a morning talking and singing with one of the most celebrated gospel musicians in all of Liberia. "I want to be a singer when I grow up," said Amelia. "And my favourite singer is Ms. Kanvee Gaines Adams." As part of a weeklong youth radio production workshop supported by UNICEF and other partners, Amelia joined Ms. Gaines Adams for a radio interview at Monrovia’s Providence Baptist Church. "Have the passion" The young people learned how to record, edit, write and produce a radio story of their own. In her report, Amelia's talked about her love of all kinds of music – especially gospel music – and her dream of becoming a musician like Ms. Gaines Adams. Liberia’s most famous gospel singer offered Amelia advice from her own experience. "If you’d like to become a musician, first I’d like you to concentrate on your school," she said. "Learn your English, learn your math very well – (and) especially your language arts." "Secondly, have the passion," she continued. "If you have the passion, you do it without expecting anything in return. And in so doing you affect people." UNICEF Liberia broadcast Amelia’s story to mark the 20th anniversary of the CRC, which grants children the rights to express themselves and to participate in cultural life, among other rights. Youth perspectives Meanwhile, UNICEF Liberia continues to work with community radio programmes throughout the country to involve the new youth journalists, empowering young people by giving them the chance to broadcast their voices throughout Liberia.
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