Democratic Republic of Congo

1. 2006 Centre Lokolé: Sustainable Peace program Evaluation
   This externally led mid-term evaluation conducted by Mary Myers and Judy El-Bushra, of Triple Line Consulting ltd, was undertaken to provide an objective assessment of the programme’s progress against its aims, and its impact to date. The review found that, in general, the programme is on the right track to achieve its purpose (laying the foundations for sustainable peace by enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo) through activities focused on conflict transformation, media training and, to a lesser extent, community reconciliation. Key findings demonstrate that Centre Lokole:

   • Is the only organisation in DRC that is advocating conflict transformation to a mass-audience. It combines practical peace-building with the power of the mass-media (i.e. radio), to inform and encourage Congolese participation in the ongoing peace process, as well as influencing knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the audience in ways that can facilitate peace.
   • Has promoted conflict transformation communication through its radio outputs as well as through participatory theatre (in which field it has become an important resource), and to a less evident degree through its on-the-ground community work. There is some evidence that CL’s outputs have helped reduce general levels of tension, as well as contributing to specific instances where violence has been prevented, including most notably child demobilisation resulting from 'Sisi Watoto' radio programmes.
   • Produces informative, relevant and stimulating material, which is disseminated to mass audiences in parts of the country where few other sources of information or discussion reach.
   • Has contributed to media development through the training of professionals – including the young 'Sisi Watoto' reporters - and by setting high standards in its own programmes. It is the only organisation in DRC tackling elections from the standpoint of covering positive stories while being alert to the potential for conflict to result from the language or choice of stories chosen.
   • Its programme includes a wide range of activities which are not being attempted by other organisations. These include developing creative radio formats, especially drama; promoting the only production by and for children broadcast throughout the Kiswahili zone; and developing programme formats which allow ordinary people from all over the country to have their say.

   Download Key Findings from 2006 DRC Evaluation

   Download 2006 DRC Evaluation
    
   

2. 2003 Centre Lokole: Bukavu Evaluation Report
   This internally led evaluation conducted by Cheyanne Church, Mark Rogers and Adrien Sindayigaya focuses on the programmatic work of the Bukavu office of Search For Common Ground's Centre Lokole Programme. The programme's overarching goals are to support the peace process, to promote unity for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to reinforce the capacity of local organizations to resolve local conflicts through the use of media, arts, dialogue, and training programs based in peacebuilding centres around the country. Key findings demonstrate that Centre Lokole:

   • Fills an important supporting role to indigenous civil society in the Democratic Republic of Congo
     
   • Developed a highly popular and effective soap opera, yet identified that other radio programming did not share the same level of success
     
   • Increased the demand for conflict resolution skills and knowledge
     
   • The programme would benefit from further coherence between media and outreach activities

   Download 2003 DRC Evaluation