Current location:travel >>
Feature: China's satellite TV aid project enlightens remote rural villages in Africa
travel936People have gathered around
IntroductionNAIROBI, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Bako Auta, a resident of Hulumi village in Nigeria, vividly remembers t ...
NAIROBI, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Bako Auta, a resident of Hulumi village in Nigeria, vividly remembers the transformative impact of China's digital television aid initiative.
"Before that, our lives were limited to the village. The televisions donated by China allowed us to see the world beyond the fence," Auta said about the installation of free equipment by the Chinese digital television operator StarTimes seven years ago.
Auta's experience is similar to that of numerous beneficiaries across Africa who have been touched by the "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages" project in remote rural areas.
The initiative, conceived during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015, aims to connect 10,000 African villages to satellite television.
By December 2023, this China-aided project had successfully completed construction work in 20 African countries, encompassing 9,512 villages and directly benefiting over 190,000 households.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the China-aided satellite TV project in Mozambique, President Filipe Nyusi praised its role in bridging the digital and information gap between rural and urban populations. He emphasized its significance in enhancing livelihoods, promoting public education, and fostering social development.
Under the project, each recipient village received two sets of solar-powered projector TV systems and one solar digital TV integrated terminal system for public areas, free of charge, as confirmed by contractor StarTimes. These installations have become vital conduits for villagers to access information from the outside world.
Murindahabi Augustin, a resident from an assisted village in Rwanda, expressed gratitude. "Through the TV, we can get information about modern agriculture, government programs, prevention of infectious diseases, and more," Augustin said.
StarTimes broadcasted all 52 matches of the 34th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in early 2024, garnering widespread acclaim. The inclusion of commentary in local languages such as Kiswahili, Yoruba, and Hausa resonated with fans.
"Thanks to the Chinese enterprises that connected satellite TV signals for our village, we can now finally sit together as a family and watch matches!" said Abissa Kouassi, a villager from Yaou village in Cote d'Ivoire.
Ma Shaoyong, director of overseas public relations for StarTimes Group, highlighted the company's efforts in democratizing digital TV across Africa. He also emphasized the substantially reduced costs for installation and viewing, making it accessible to average households.
"The installation fee for a StarTimes set-top box stands at a mere 10 U.S. dollars, with subscribers required to pay a monthly fee ranging between 3-5 U.S. dollars, granting access to nearly 30 digital TV channels spanning news, sports, and movies," said Ma.
To ensure the sustainability of the project, StarTimes has trained local technicians in recipient villages to conduct after-sales maintenance. Nunes Guardagea, a Mozambican technician, finds profound fulfillment in his role.
"I'm able to help people in remote areas access information and enrich their lives," Guardagea said.
As the project continues to enlighten remote areas of Africa, StarTimes is advancing its localization strategy. In Kenya, the enterprise has invested in producing local dramas, resonating with audiences by using Kiswahili.
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, applauded these productions as narratives that authentically represent local stories. ■
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Stellar Station news portal”。http://kenya.downmusic.org/news-78e599898.html
Related articles
At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria's conflict
travelABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a ...
【travel】
Read moreDOC job cuts plan: Tourism, backcountry huts, flora and fauna at risk, groups say
travelThe Hump Ridge Track near Tuatapere, in Fiordland, is one of the Great Walks. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brun ...
【travel】
Read more'Hardest Geezer' Russell Cook completes almost year
travelRussell Cook, aka the 'Hardest Geezer', completes his epic run. Photo: Russell Cook / X ...
【travel】
Read more
Popular articles
- UN maritime tribunal says countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution
- Israel Gaza: Journalists injured in al
- Trump ordered to end attacks on judge's family in hush money case
- Chris Hipkins says sick children shouldn't be at school
- EU seals a deal on using profits from frozen Russian assets to help arm Ukraine
- 'Devastated': Widow pleads for late husband’s dream to be realised
Latest articles
The Los Angeles Rams will hold their training camp at Loyola Marymount University this summer
Israel prepared to handle any Iran scenario, defence chief says
Boeing jet loses engine cover during takeoff
Trump ordered to end attacks on judge's family in hush money case
Bella Thorne puts on a leggy display in a dark red off
Death toll rises in Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years
LINKS
- China in the Eyes of Women Diplomats: Ten
- China's Experience with Gender Equality Shared at UN
- Chinese Women's Federation Issues Evidence Guide on Domestic Violence
- Shen Yueyue Stresses Further Research on Women's Theory and Practice in the New Era
- Shen Yueyue Stresses Promoting High
- Chinese Women's Federation Issues Evidence Guide on Domestic Violence
- ACWF Celebrates China
- Top Chinese diplomat stresses China
- Asian Paralympic Committee president declares Hangzhou Asian Para Games closed
- ACWF Launches Publicity and Education Campaign for Children to Mark CPC Centenary