*Internet Radio (IR) This is the second communications project. Some of us gray-haired folk remember the powerful role local radio stations, music and Black book stores played in nurturing the civil rights and Black power movements of the late 20th century. Even if those in our communities are unaware, those in power are not. Most radio stations are not locally or independently owned. Finding an alternative voice, perspective, or even alternative music is almost impossible. Enter Internet Radio. Where a “radio” program can be posted on the Internet and listened to by people in local and remote locations from homes, libraries and cafes. Furthermore, we don’t have to worry about “missing” the program, we can listen when it is convenient.

This is the world into which the IR team steps. Their mission is to create 2 radio programs highlighting the work of each of the other “content” teams. Their work will require that they plan and implement a program that attracts listeners, holds listeners and makes them want to “tune” back in for the follow-up.

The language arts of this project is readily apparent: interviewing, program hooks, transitions, exits, and written scripts have language arts written all over them. Less apparent is the math of this project. Students will be asked to calculate bits, bytes, compression rations, disk space, bandwidth and costs for their programs to be “aired.”

Mission Impossible. Should the IR team choose to accept it, they will also be asked to repair a donated computer so that it can be used to “broadcast” their programs in streaming audio. They’ll also be asked to configure it so that bandwidth is shared on a peer- to-peer network basis. Volunteers are needed to assist them with this portion of the project.

Academic Support Clusters Each project team has a Project Learning Director assigned to them. Their job is to help your student focus on the project! Kudos to them. They’ve all volunteered their time. Depending on need, students from various groups will be assembled to get math or language arts support that is needed generally and specifically to enhance their project success. These 30-minute learning centers will operate throughout the 9:30-12:30 framework each Saturday. They’ll be sent back to their groups after each 30- min. session.

Attendance: Student attendance on Saturday is critical! Communications with other team members during the week is also encouraged. Nov 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd Dec. 6th & 13th. Please confirm (phone or email) that your youth will attend or make arrangements for make up / catch up team work.

Tuition: Make sure you’ve paid tuition for the period through Dec. 13th., If you aren’t sure or have questions, please call 404.629.6716 or go to our web site at http://www.ayaed.com/saturdayshule.htm to pay for the next session.

Parent Conference: Via Phone or in-person. Please call and let’s set a time to review your student’s experience of MOYO so far and plan for current and future needs. We’re continually making adjustments to make MOYO successful for your student. We’re available any weekday evening.

Volunteers Needed: As you can see, we expect a lot of our students. We also give a lot and always need your and the community’s help on Saturdays and during the week. Please make time for our future.

Foo nda goy (thanks) for your continued support. Together we will win!

Waa too ma boori, (Songhoy for “may the time be blessed on your soul” )

Wekesa O. Madzimoyo
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