Conflict resolution, prevention, and transformation: Search for Common Ground

With support from the European Commission and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SFCG and its partner, Antenna Foundation Nepal, produces the radio soap opera “Nayaa Baato, Nayaa Paaila” (New Path, New Footprints). The drama, which is broadcast through Radio Nepal and 25 local FM stations three times a week, tells the story of a group of young people in a fictional village in the foothills of the Himalayas. The youth, who are from diverse caste, political and ethnic backgrounds, struggle to adapt to the turbulent times and to participate positively in the country’s transition to peace. Using an “edu-tainment” model, the soap encourages youth to break down barriers, resist manipulation to violence, and organize to address the root causes of conflict.

The results of the soap opera have been excellent. A recent listenership survey conducted by the BBC World Service Trust and Nielsen indicated that Nayaa Baato Nayaa Paaila is the third most popular radio show in the country, with 27% of those surveyed reporting that they had listened to the show. Listeners report changes in their lives: youth organizations are working more effectively with their elders to address root causes of conflict and some former child soldiers report laying down their arms and coming home. Another young man wrote in to say that he had decided not to seek revenge for the death of his father as a result of the show. Click here to read his letter.

For a number of episodes, Nayaa Baato, Nayaa Paaila told the story of Khadga, who had been a child soldier with one of the armed factions of the conflict. When the war ended, he went to the barracks with the rest of the soldiers from his unit. Khadga wasn’t sure what to do, whether he should go home or stay with the armed group. He had given years of service to the movement. When a human rights worker showed up in the camp, she met with Khadga. She had a cassette tape with the voice of his mother, asking him to come home. He decided, it was time to go back to his village and see how he could contribute positively to his society. Despite many challenges, he successfully reintegrated into his family, joined the local youth club and started building peace.

The radio soap opera is integrated with a community-based youth peacebuilding program that bring young people together from across dividing lines to create cooperative actions for peace.

Search For Common Ground in Nepal
P.O. Box 24905
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 (1) 553 5909
Fax: +977 (1) 553 0171
stripathee@sfcg.org

Radio Serial Drama: "Nayaa Baato, Nayaa Paaila"