Hammies Amateur Radio Club had their welcome class on 30 January at Sentech where they hosted the first South African Radio League (SARL) event for the year.
Hammies was created by Graham Busse and Noel Hammond after they noticed that although there were classes that young children who were interested in radio could join, they were scheduled at awkward times and conflicted with other important aspects of their life. So after research and getting in touch with the right channels, the club finally had its first theoretical class in May 2015.
The classes are geared toward introducing children to radio and dispelling the myth that it is an old man’s hobby. They hold their classes every Saturday morning from 9am to 12am for children between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. The day is split into an hour lecture, hour practical and hour radio. The club is geared toward children who have an interest in radio and electronics, and who will be required to sit for the Amateur Radio B-Class examination before they are allowed to handle the air-waves solo.
Dylan Middleton, one of the Hammies, said he loved everything about the programme.
“I love building new electronics and this has also really helped with my physics at school,” said Middleton. “It’s just honestly a lot of fun.”
Michelle McNally, a fellow Hammie, said she was one of the few girls in her group and she urged everyone not be stereotypical about the hobby as it is a great way to learn and discover some amazing things.
In the 10-week course, the children are taught the basics of technologies and are also given a kit to get them started. They learn everything from how to fix plugs and also learn the thrilling concept of talking to someone continents away.
Another Hammie, Robert van der Meulen who achieved his Class-B qualification in 2015, said he has hopes of becoming a pilot in future. He said what he most loved most about the course is that he could talk to anyone around the world for free. He also urged young children like himself to take up the hobby.
“You really have nothing to lose, when you get your licence you can talk to anyone around the world at no cost and you can go on to do so much with it afterwards,” said Van der Meulen.
Details: South African Radio League, admin@sarl.org.za or 011 675 2393
