At a retreat in November 1999, the writers of the series sketched out the drama's scenarios and created a group of youth characters. The first 26 episodes produced were issue-led, and covered such topics as education under-funding/ malpractice, drug abuse, inter-tribal conflict, unemployment, and the environment. As the audience became familiar with Ready or Not, their personal trials and tribulations become more pivotal in expressing the message, and the series become more character-led. 'Ready or Not' went on air April 1 2000.

Building on what the organisers have called the impressive reception of Ready or Not, the organisers launched the Hausa version of the programme in Abuja, Nigeria on August 16 2000. The Hausa series, 'Ka Shiriya Ko A'a', like its English version, showcased Nigerian youth and their perception of the nation's development needs. Ka Shiriya Ko A'A has, as of this writing, aired on 9 radio stations in the north; Hausa-speaking countries such as Mali, Chad, and Niger will receive the series via PANOS, a radio network based in Mali.

Youth