Hervice Kouassi’s journey into broadcasting began not in a studio, but at the heart of his rural village in Côte d’Ivoire. Growing up in a family of farmers, Mr. Kouassi was drawn to radio, which was the primary source of information and entertainment for his community. His passion for this medium took root early, shaping the course of his career.
After completing his Baccalaureate, Mr. Kouassi’s parents initially urged him to focus on his studies, not his passion for radio. Following their advice, he pursued a degree in English at university. But his desire to work in media never faded. In 2013, he was discovered by a radio promoter who noticed his insightful posts on social media, leading to his first opportunity to work in radio. Eager to refine his skills, Mr. Kouassi enrolled at Studio Mozaik in 2015, a training center dedicated to television and radio professions. His hard work paid off, and he began to climb the ranks in the industry.
Mr. Kouassi’s first role in radio saw him working in multiple departments, gaining hands-on experience and understanding the inner workings of the industry. His perseverance eventually led him to become the Program Director at Soleil+ in San Pedro, a position he held after serving as the head of the station at Cacao FM, located in a cocoa-producing region of Côte d’Ivoire.
Through his radio programs, Mr. Kouassi focused on issues that impacted rural communities, particularly in agriculture and social development. He hosts popular shows like Eh Klô n’dê in Baoulé, which addresses agricultural challenges, health, and social issues. His weekly program Ça nous concerne allows listeners to raise concerns about their living conditions and interact with local authorities. Mr. Kouassi also produces Ma santé sexuelle, ma priorité, an informative program in partnership with Farm Radio International, discussing sexual and reproductive health rights for young people.
For Mr. Kouassi, radio is more than just a platform for sharing information—it’s an opportunity to connect with communities. Through listener participation, both by phone and WhatsApp, as well as community-based public broadcasts, Mr. Kouassi has seen firsthand the power of radio to affect change. One of the most rewarding outcomes has been hearing from young people and parents about improved communication around sexual health, thanks to his programs. These conversations, once considered taboo, have become vital to the community.
Radio has also proven to be a powerful tool for addressing pressing issues like teenage pregnancies, which have long been a concern in the region. Mr. Kouassi has seen a decrease in the rate of schoolgirl pregnancies in his area, a testament to the impact his programs have had.
Mr. Kouassi credits his access to resources through Farm Radio International for much of his success. Since 2021, he has worked with the organization to translate resources into Baoulé for the VACS project, participated in training sessions, and refined his journalistic approach. These experiences have helped him enhance the quality and impact of his programs.
Today, Mr. Kouassi remains optimistic about the future of radio in his community. His belief in the medium’s power to educate, inform, and bring about positive social change continues to drive him.