Aspiring broadcasters from Windhoek Afrikaans Private School receive their certificates. Chris Matthee, Mareth van Schalkwyk and members of the Association of Broadcasting Veterans attended the handover. (Photo: Facebook/Society of Broadcast Veterans)
Knowledge is allowed.
That is why the Association of Broadcasting Veterans has decided that the precious knowledge they have acquired over the years in broadcasting is a treasure trove that must be shared with the youth.
The association, led by Namibian broadcaster Kolie van Coller, currently consists of 80 Namibian and South African members.
These members include an excellent group with decades of experience in radio, television and digital platforms, such as Johan Stemmet, Derrich Gardner, Martin Jansen and Nic de Jager.
The training program created by the association for school learners seeks to bridge the gap between traditional principles and modern journalism.
The aim is also to equip young broadcasters with skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing environment and build on the cornerstones of reliability and ethics in the media.
For Van Coller, presenter of the programme, it is a belt under the heart when he sees the developing broadcasting potential in the diligent school learners.
“There are definitely quite a few of the learners who can already do voice tests at local radio stations. Some of them show great potential for broadcasting,” says Van Coller to Maroela Media.
Collie van Coller and a student of the training program. (Photo: Provided)
Van Coller, who has been in broadcasting since 1972, lives on a nature estate outside Windhoek. He has a burning passion for the industry that he has been a part of for almost five decades.
He says he “woke up one morning” and thought it was important to develop a training program in broadcasting for school learners.
“If you have a passion for something, it’s just part of your life. We started talking and praying about the idea of developing such a program.
“We have a wealth of knowledge, experience and background. We would like to pass this passion and expertise on to the younger generation.”
Yes, admits Van Coller, there is a lot of new technology in the broadcasting industry, “but certain things stand like pillars and never change. It is important to learn them on a practical level.”
According to Van Coller, the learners are excited about the program, where the Windhoek Afrikaans Private School and Windhoek Gymnasium have been boasting their own radio stations for almost two years.
“We are also in the process of drawing up a memorandum of understanding between the association and the University of Namibia, so that the program can also be presented there,” says Van Coller.
There are also plans to expand the program to South Africa and online.
“It is very interesting for us to see how the children experience the program and how quickly they learn. They absolutely live in themselves.”
Initially, a group of 20 learners is selected for the program, after which the group is thinned out a bit and trained in voice and microphone use.
“We try to bring home to the children how unique each person’s voice is. It is like a fingerprint. Your voice is as unique as your personality,” explains Van Coller.
He says the learners are also taught how to deal with jealousy and criticism. “Unfortunately, this is part of the industry and something they need to be aware of and prepared for.”
Kolie van Coller with colleagues and students during a training session. (Photo: Provided)
For Van Coller, despite technological development, radio is still an economical and accessible source of information and entertainment.
“With radio there are so many possibilities, especially for people here in our part of the world where there are many disadvantaged people. For them, radio is like milk and bread in the house.”
Van Coller describes himself and his fellow veterans as “the grandmothers and grandfathers of radio” and says mentoring the learners is a joy.
“They can call us at any time of the day to ask questions, and they do. We are happy to give them advice in an unobtrusive way.”
