In a bold and innovative move to bring education directly to the community, Boland College has officially made history as the first TVET college in the Western Cape to host a full-day studio takeover of a local radio station. On Thursday, 22 May 2025, Boland College took to the airwaves of Paarl FM, a popular community radio station, broadcasting live from 6:00 to 18:00 with a dynamic programme tailored to inform, entertain and connect with the broader public.

This pioneering initiative represents a powerful collaboration between a public TVET college and a local media platform, demonstrating how educational institutions can creatively bridge the gap between the classroom and the community. The partnership with Paarl FM was not only strategic but deeply rooted in shared values: accessibility, empowerment, and community upliftment.

“Radio has the unique ability to reach people where they are,” said Mr Charles Goodwin, Principal of Boland College. “We wanted to use this platform to create awareness about the TVET sector, our academic offerings, demystify the application process, and showcase the talent and heart of our students and staff – all while bringing a little fun to the airwaves.”

Throughout the day, the college ran a full schedule of shows hosted by college staff, featuring interviews with students, Student Representative Council members, lecturers and leadership. The music playlists were carefully curated by each campus, with staff and students contributing their favourite tracks for a truly collaborative experience. Listeners were encouraged to send messages live via WhatsApp, creating a two-way engagement that reflected the strong relationship between the college and its community.

In addition to the radio broadcast, Boland College set up a live application station at Rembrandt Mall, giving prospective students direct access to information, support and assistance with the application process. This on-the-ground activation complemented the radio programming perfectly, reinforcing the college’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Lynden Jafta, Station Manager of Paarl FM, expressed his appreciation for Boland College choosing Paarl FM as the platform for such an inspiring and innovative project. “I was so impressed with the professionalism and energy of the college staff and students involved in the takeover,” he said. “It was truly a pleasure working with them, and I’m more than happy to have the Paarl FM brand associated with an institution like Boland College.”

“This project wasn’t just about airtime- it was about impact,” said Ms Minette Kilian, Assistant Director: Marketing and Corporate Communication. “We wanted to showcase that TVET colleges are not only academic institutions but drivers of social and economic growth within their communities.”

At its heart, the project reflects a growing recognition that education must meet people where they are- whether in malls, on air, or online.

As the sun set on this groundbreaking day, one message was clear: Boland College is not just teaching students – it’s reaching communities. And in doing so, it is redefining what it means to be a truly community-driven TVET institution.