Côte d'Ivoire

Media Sector Capacity Building

Radio has proven to be an extremely effective method in promoting peace-building in all of SFCG’s programmes in Africa, as it promotes positive changes in attitudes and behaviors and reaches a large number of people, including illiterate and under-educated populations. Local personnel trained in ‘Common Ground’ methodology and production techniques staff both studios, which operate under the name of Talking Drum Studio, leveraging the reputation already developed by SFCG’s other programs in the sub-region. In order to extend the reach of its radio programs, SFCG has developed working partnerships with 22 radio stations including ONUCI FM, providing coverage to entire country. With a sound network of partners and the production capabilities afforded by its two studios, SFCG is well placed to achieve its program objectives.

In collaboration with local partners the national programme for community reinsertion and rehabilitation, SFCG has developed a communication campaign focused on tolerance, reconciliation, and the RRR process. The campaign prepares communities to be more receptive to and become more involved in SFCG’s conflict transformation trainings and facilitated dialogues.

Radio Programming

SFCG Côte d’Ivoire broadcasts five programs throughout the year focusing on a variety of issues towards target audiences. Program highlights are as follows:

• Passerelle (‘Bridge’): This program aims to “build bridges” across existing divides by integrating traditional conflict resolution mechanisms of various ethnic groups in Côte d’Ivoire with modern conflict resolution techniques. Using local languages, parables, and other culturally appropriate forms familiar to ordinary citizens, SFCG developed this program in response to requests made by the community radio stations.

• Unis dans Nos Differences (United in Our Differences): This news and features program focuses on the positive initiatives undertaken within the communities in search of non-violent solutions. The program integrates issues revolving around the peace process by providing a space for community members, IDPs, refugees, and other marginalized groups, to address their concerns.

• Dignité des Femmes: A talk show format program that features interviews with women from all walks of life on women’s leadership and good governance.

• Enfants en Action: One of SFCGs newest production pieces, modelled on Golden Kids from Sierra Leone and Liberia, Enfants en Action works with 40 children in Man and Guiglo to identify stories, conduct interviews, and present programs that address the current issues in Côte d’Ivoire from a child’s perspective. SFCG partnered with UNICEF to identify and train the children participants including former child soldiers, children in school, and disadvantaged children all ranging in ages from 9-17 years.

• Woro Woro Tour: One of SFCG’s most popular programs, this lively short skit takes place in a public taxi, with the driver, Morry, discussing with to the passengers coming into his car and his family about the relevant issues of the day.

• Synergie des Radios: An interview and features program reporting on issues affecting the communities in which SFCG’s radio partner’s work. This program is a collaborative effort of these partners, who identify issues and collect materials to be produced in SFCG’s Daloa studios.

Partner Station Support and Training

‘Common Ground’ media training is one of SFCG’s principal outreach efforts. The training workshops’ aim is two-fold: to strengthen the capacity of radio producers in the production of radio magazines and other program formats in order to promote social dialogue and diversify the participants of that dialogue, and to inform participants about “Common Ground” methodology and its principles.

SFCG has deepened its support of its radio partners over the years, encouraging experience sharing and collaboration between the independent radio stations it has established partnerships with. This strategy has entered the next level with the establishment of the Synergie des Radios program, which supports network building between radios as well as improving their responsiveness to the issues their listeners are dealing with.