Strengthening of Democratic Governance in Targeted Areas of Kono, Kailahun, Koinadugu Districts and Tongo Fields

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is implementing a program that seeks to strengthen democratic governance in the districts of Kono, Kailahun, and Koinadugu, and the Tongo Fields area of Kenema district, supporting Special Objective #2 (SpO#2) of USAID's Sierra Leone's Transition Strategy Phase 2, (FY 2004-2006). The three-year program targets the residents of Kono, Kailahun, and Koinadugu districts as well as the Tongo Fields area of Kenema district. SFCG uses a media-based intervention providing a platform for debate and interaction between community leaders, civil society groups and government officials. By providing information around governance and democratic principles, communities are positioned to be proactive in demanding for participation and inclusion as well as provide space for their voices.

SFCG's intervention focuses on the implementation of the decentralization process as it is the framework of governance and engine for development. Mobilization of community support and other vital issues continue to pose huge challenges. The lack of information flow from councils to wards and communities, particularly with regards to financial transparency and development activities, along with allegations of corruption and high expectations only serve to exacerbate the tense situation. The demand for information from communities has focused on development, service delivery, and transparency on the part of the councils particularly in reporting on the utilization of funds.

SFCG's work revolves around the following objectives:

• Stimulate an active citizenry
• Foster responsible and inclusive representation
• Strengthen participation and engagement

SFCG is currently supporting the developing production capabilities of community radio, facilitating issue based networks and coalitions, training Talking Drum Studio (TDS) staff in the development of thematic radio programs as well as designing and distributing creative programming through a variety of media outlets that support the project's objectives. Additionally, SFCG's TDS produces seven national and six district focused radio programs that speak to the project's objectives as well as incorporate Democracy and Governance (D&G). Specific issues raised on air include governance, quality education, children, conflict, Human Rights, corruption, HIV/AIDS, and Social Reintegration.

Radio plays a vital role in bridging the communication gap that exists between the central government and local community. SFCG radio activities have provided an opportunity for members of the community, civil society, and government to come together in a nonviolent and meaningful way so that they are engaged in their community and are able to participate in various aspects of governance and democracy.

In the three targeted districts, SFCG facilitates networks among youth associations, encouraging them to partner on common issues and influence decisions affecting their lives. Most youth associations in Kono, Kailahun, Koinadugu and Tongo Fields are highly politicized and divided by the two major political parties and/or ethnicity thus making them appropriate areas to promote solidarity. SFCG hopes its relationship with the four new youth associations in each district and in Tongo Fields will develop networks similar to those in the regional capitals, so that the networks evolve to the point where youth can discuss common problems, share solutions and develop a sense of shared national identity. Other Initiatives Include:

Wetin For Bi (WFB)- Produced initially by TDS as a pilot for the North, WFB has now been extended to the three targeted districts (Kono, Kailahun and Koinadugu) as well as Tongo Fields. Produced twice monthly from SFCG's Makeni and Bo studios, WFB highlights specific success stories and challenges in each district and is designed as a district platform to highlight democratic governance. WFB has an innovative format. As a vehicle for D&G Program success stories in the target areas, WFB uses the same format for each district, but inserts the stories in the dominant language of the district. These success stories are broadcast in order to support confidence building in the ongoing decentralization process.

Accountability Now
SFCG is currently developing a new radio program that focuses on financial reporting of council activities for regional broadcast. The local government act of 2004 focuses on the primacy of information sharing in the decentralization process and states that "Local councils shall post on a notice board in a conspicuous place on the premises of the council and on a notice board in each ward for at least 21 days- monthly statements of financial accounts; annual income and expenditure statements….". Once finalized, the monthly program will address communities' information needs and demands, as well as highlight council priorities. SFCG Field officers work closely with the council members, especially the Chief Administrators and the accountants to clarify certain areas in the report and make it more digestible for the listening public. It is envisaged that in sharing the Council's reports to the wider public, the program will help make Councils more accountable and help mobilize support for them. If people are better informed about how their money is spent, they will be more apt to pay their taxes, licenses or dues.

Local Discussion Programs
In Koinadugu the local discussion program has aided the Councils in getting information to the people and helped the people in expressing their views on council activities. The radio program is now widely discussed in the district and individuals routinely stop by the Radio Bintumani office to give their comments. In addition, there has been increasing demand from community people to take part in the weekly discussions. This has also increased the level of participation of women and youths on governance issues, as they are now always part of the discussion.

Videos
SFCG's video team is currently finalizing three video documentaries (15 minutes each) specific to each of the targeted districts. The documentaries highlight successes and challenges, as well as communities' expectations and support for the councils. The videos aim to trigger discussion and action on the part of policymakers and Councilors on the progress and obstacles met. In addition, the documentaries will showcase concrete community support for the councils. Once completed, the videos will be shown on the two national television stations, video houses in the targeted districts, and shared to relevant authorities and institutions.

Exchange Visit
SFCG organized a two-day exchange visit between women of Kailahun and Tongo Fields and women from Koinadugu to commemorate International Women's Day. The visit had two objectives:

• To mobilize female participation and break the myth around women and their participation in decision-making and politics in Koinadugu (In the district, there are no female councilors.); and
• To share skills and experiences, network, and establish working relationships.

In preparation for the exchange, SFCG held meetings and rehearsals with women in Koinadugu using this year's theme "Let our voices be heard". A short drama was performed that highlighted women's problems and challenges and how they should overcome them. As part of the exchange, SFCG organized two radio discussions on issues affecting women in Koinadugu District. Six women, including councilors, activists and leaders from Kailahun District and Tongo Fields joined the Koinadugu women in the celebration to share experiences on their successes and challenges in leadership. Six women, including Councilors, activists and Mammy Queens from Kailahun District and Tongo Fields joined the Koinadugu women in celebration, sharing experiences, success stories, and leadership challenges.

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