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One evening, in 1993, Trevor Baylis, an English inventor, watched
a television program about educating Africans about AIDS. The
TV commentator observed that in many regions radio was the only
available media, but the need for batteries or electricity made
them too expensive or too difficult to access. There was, therefore,
the need foran educational tool neither print nor electricity-based.
Within 3 months, Trevor invented a clockwork (windup) radio!
Trevor attempted to promote his invention, but initially,
manufacturers were not convinced of its use value. Then in April
1994 Christopher Staines, an accountant, saw a story about the
radio, contacted Trevor, and an agreement was reached whereby
Chris became responsible for promotion, and the securing of funds
to further develop the radio.
The next stop was South Africa, where details of the invention
were broadcasted over a Johannasberg radio station which was
heard by the Liberty Life Group, a foundation which invests in
worthwhile projects. Next, the possibility of having disabled
people do the radio assembly was considered. Dr. William Rowland,
President of Disabled People for South Africa endorsed the idea.
Liberty Life provided the funding to begin production, in conjunction
with a group of organizations for the disabled, who became business
partners in the venture.
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