Start a station

HOW DO I START A REF FM RADIO STATION IN A REFUGEE CAMP?

Have you and your organization been (pro-)active for some time in a large refugee camp where no community-based radio station exists yet, and do you dream of your own radio station for/by refugees and host communities?

Do you have sufficient resources and staff to provide 3 studio spaces and to take care of the administration and human resources of a new radio station?

And are you looking for a technical partner who can help you make your dream come true?

Then fill in the partner form below.

become a partner

Filmaid Kenya - Liwuchoo Albino

FIRST STEPS TO ESTABLISH A REF FM STATION

Step 1 : Let's Connect

Are you an organization already working in a refugee camp or settlement, with experience in community engagement? Then we might be a perfect match. Reach out to explore a possible partnership. Together, we assess if our values align and whether launching a community radio station is the right step.

Step 2 : Partner Up

If we’re a good fit, we’ll sign a franchise agreement and begin preparations. You’ll apply for an FM frequency license—this is essential. From there, we’ll guide you through every stage of setting up your station, using our comprehensive 21-step manual covering everything from technical needs to team building.

Step 3 : Build Your Station

With the license in hand, the real work begins. You’ll secure a location, install a mast, and recruit your station team. We’ll train them, support operations, and walk you through each detail. Together, we’ll bring trusted, community-powered radio to life—by and for refugees and their host communities.

Submit your station

Partner With Us

Curious about what it means to start a REF_FM radio station in your community? Learn more about how our partnership model works, what we offer, what we expect, and how we support you every step of the way.

Learn More About Partnerships

REF_FM stories

News • REF FM NL • 23 May 2025 • 3 min read

REF FM STATION IN THE NETHERLANDS

In Den Bosch, the Netherlands (NL), preparations are being made for the launch of REF FM NL, the first REF FM radio station outside of Africa. The first, but certainly not the last.

News • Kyangwali • 06 May 2025 • 4 min read

REFUGEES TRAINING REFUGEES

For the first time ever a crew member of one of the REF FM SUPPORTED stations has trained the crew of another REF FM station. South Sudanese refugee Dedi Isaac from BIDIBIDI FM has been teaching the crew of REF FM KYANGWALI.

All stories

Transforming Lives

Impacting positively the traumatized lives of refugees and host communities

Impact assesment

67

%

of listeners benefited from News programs — making it the station’s most influential format (REF FM KK).

58

%

of listeners gained knowledge from Peace & Conflict programming — fostering reconciliation and community healing (REF FM KK).

"AS A PRESENTER REF FM MEANS GIVING A VOICE TO PEOPLE, STORIES AND MUSIC THAT MAY NOT ALWAYS FIND SPACE IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA."

Evelyn Otima, presenter at REF FM KK

START A STATION

Please fill out this form if you are interested in starting a station.

Join Us

make the

We help refugees (and host communities) to establish and run their own community based radio station in their refugee camp. To give them a voice and the power to change their lives.

You can help by volunteering on the spot or at a distance; by advertsing on their radio; and/or by investing in a new station that will then become financially selfsustainable within one year after its start.

difference

FAQS

Find answers to your questions about starting a station and supporting our mission.

Contact

How can I help?

You can Join us by making a structural donation or offering your skills. We welcome expertise in audio production, DJing, and entrepreneurship. Your contributions can help us empower refugees through local radio stations.

What is REF FM?

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Where are the stations?

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How do I donate?