Curtis Slimar
2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Women Living with Epilepsy in ZambiaZambia
Curtis Slimar is an experienced and dedicated broadcast professional and media consultant. With over ten years of broadcasting experience, he has excelled in radio production, presentation, live television broadcasting and journalism. As a skilled problem-solver, Mr. Slimar managed a 24/7 broadcasting operation, overseeing a network of local radio transmitters throughout Zambia. His expertise in human resources, team management and technical support has contributed to his professional success.
Mr. Slimar's passion lies in media, journalism and broadcasting technologies, and he actively seeks opportunities to gain more television/radio and reporting experience. Alongside his broadcasting skills, he is also a trained Public Relations expert and Diplomat, possessing strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Women Living with Epilepsy in Zambia
This project empowered women with epilepsy through two main components. The first component provided ten women with epilepsy in Zambia with basic skills in tailoring, improving their livelihoods and reducing stigma associated with epilepsy. The 48 total training workshops were led by an experienced tutor who has a tailoring business. Each week the workshops focused on different aspects of becoming a tailor, including garment-making and entrepreneurship. This has enabled the participants to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. After completing the training course, the ten women who received training have continued to disseminate the knowledge and skills they gained within their communities, establishing themselves as community leaders and contributing to a greater project impact. Alongside the tailoring courses, Curtis also coordinated radio programs, social media posts, and television programs to raise awareness about epilepsy and de-stigmatize the condition. The programs addressed the social and economic issues faced by epileptic women and provided practical tips for managing the condition.
"We have [had] the chance to acquire a skill that can improve our living standards, regardless of our circumstances." - Project Participant
IVLP Exchange Experience
Curtis was a participant in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - 21st Century Approaches to Print and Radio Journalism, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education.
Curtis' exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "I personally enjoyed my virtual tour of Boston by our hosts Charles Lewis and Doug Struck. Verifying pictures, and other stories we see on social media has really made a positive impact on my work. I also learnt a whole lot from the team that advised on how we can commercialize news content. The list is endless."
U.S. Communities Visited
Washington, DC; St. Petersburg: FL; Atlanta: GA; Boston: MA; Kalamazoo: MI; Madison: WI; Milwaukee: WI;