Jerusalem

Palestinian intended outcome radio soap opera:
Al-Dar Dar Abuna

In partnership with MEND (Middle East Non-violence & Democracy), a Palestinian NGO based in East Jerusalem, Search for Common Ground - SFCG - produced two seasons of an intended outcome radio soap opera, called Al-Dar Dar Abuna (Home Is Our Home). Two series, comprising 26 episodes, were produced in Spring 2003 and Spring 2004 and broadcasted by nine radio stations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. A third series is in the planning phase.

Search for Common Ground originally developed this soap opera in partnership with MEND because we realised that in the Palestinian territories, virtually every household listens extensively to radio (at home, in public and private transportation, etc.), and that radio offered a broad-based, comparatively inexpensive means to spread awareness, particularly among young people, about the effectiveness of non-violence as a strategy for social change. The Radio Soap opera series Advisory Board decided to focus on the 16-25 age group both because of its demographic size and because of its relative openness to new ideas. We designed the series to promote analytical skills and to strengthen the role of individuals in building civil society by using the approach and methodology of non-violence. Both SFCG and MEND developed together the intended outcome messages and objectives to be aimed at while producing such a type of pro-social Radio program. MEND developed the script content, identified writers, actors, broadcasting stations, undertook the promotional efforts, evaluation, and general coordination.

About the series
The main characters of the popular series are young Palestinians, living and studying in the West Bank. The friends Nadis, Lamees, Sally, Samer, Nadine and Ameer are students at Birzeit University- just outside of the City of Ramallah- who like to get together and discuss various issues. The episodes take place at popular Palestinian places like Birzeit cafeteria or Ramallah cafés. Issues addressed cover a broad range of topics, varying from personal stories about love, problems with parents, seeking a job, watching favorite TV programs, to rather political issues concerning the construction of the Separation Barrier/the Wall, the strategy of the intifada, etc.

Non violent techniques of resolution of conflicts at all level of society are incorporated in each episodes/story. Here are a few examples of the type of messages of Al Dar Dar Abuna: listening to others helps understand others and realize that people are different; debate within the family helps keep it together and create an atmosphere of confidence and responsibility; equality in duties and responsibilities between sexes is a prerequisite for a society that is cooperative and focuses on respecting the opposite sex; diversity and integration are necessary components of a healthy society; freedom of thought goes beyond religion and ideology. The message of every episode has a truly universal value, continuously stressing the principles of democracy, conflict resolution and non-violence.

To get a better idea of what Al-Dar Dar Abuna Radio soap opera is about, please see the following synopsis of Episode Thirteen on freedom of thought (Season two):

Episode Thirteen (Freedom of thought)

Script: Discussion takes place between Samer and Nadir. Samer is in love with Nadia, a Christian girl from Jerusalem. He discusses the issue with Nadir and wonders how his father in particular and his relatives in general would react to the issue, especially that Nadia is Christian. Samer talks with Nadia on the phone about [their children in the future] and their names; he refuses to give them Christian names.

Part two: Abu Ra'fat and Abu Juma'a at the store. Abu Juma'a prepares invitation cards for his son's wedding party. He asks Abu Ra'fat to help him distribute the invitation cards. A discussion about Abu Juma'a's neighbor, a Christian named Abu George, takes place. The Episode discusses the issue of the relation between religions.

Moral: Freedom of thought goes beyond religion and ideology to political and social life.

A focus group in Bethlehem identifies themes for the soap opera.