Welcome to Reconnecting East and West, a youth-run radio program broadcasting on Radio Skid Row 88.9 FM.
Created by young people for young people, our program is a dynamic platform creating dialogue, understanding, and connection across Sydney.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, Arab Council Australia initiated a groundbreaking six-month project, bringing together young people from all corners of Sydney to share their experiences and navigate the complexities of lockdown life.
Building on the success of this initial phase, the project was expanded and rebranded as "Reconnecting East and West: COVID and Beyond." Our mission? To bridge divides and cultivate resilient communities that thrive on diversity
Through co-designed activities, young people from diverse backgrounds connected and forged new relationships to gain a greater understanding of each other. Activities included social gatherings with leaders and community groups across the "divide".
A cornerstone of our initiative is training the young participants with skills in film and radio production. The team created seven live-to-air radio programs where they discuss the divisions and other issues affecting them.
The team has co-designed the activities and the process has been documented with content also shared on social platforms. The greater vision is that young people will build a youth network to sustain the connections that have been created beyond the life of the project. Our live-to-air radio programs provide a platform for youth to engage in candid conversations about issues that impact them, regardless of their postcode.