Soul Beat Africa is co-sponsored by Soul City Institute and the Communication Initiative

SOUL BEAT AFRICA

Where communication and media are central to Africa's social and economic development

E-magazines


Average Rating: no ratings submitted

Sisi Watoto (We, the Children)

Country

Congo (DRC)

Programme Summary

Sisi Watoto (We, the Children) is a weekly radio programme produced by a team of 11 young reporters aged between 15 and 17 for children in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The radio show, initiated by Search for Common Ground as part of their Giving Voice to Congo's Children project, reaches out to war-affected youth and child soldiers to increase awareness amongst youth and to help find solutions to the violence and social problems afflicting young people and their communities. The aim of the programme, which began airing in October 2003, is to sensitise youth and young adults on the effects of armed conflicts on children; support the reintegration of youth in their communities; and support the participation of youth in rebuilding their communities (including enhancing community social harmony).

Communication Strategies

The programme is presented in magazine format, allowing for a variety of styles to be included in each episode. The young journalists report on news surrounding the conflict and its effects on children. They also interview experts, government officials, civil society, and young people about the demobilisation process. The programme covers a broad range of topics including: information about services available to ex-combatants; personal accounts of demobilisation successes; the examination of girls' roles and child soldiers and their demobilisation; and discussions about promoting demobilisation during crisis. Examples of previous individual programme topics are as follows:

  • Successful Demobilisation and Reintegration: In one programme a child soldier-turned-musician shared his story of demobilisation and then reintegration into his family. Through music, this child found a new purpose in life and a way to forget about his time in the armed forces.
  • Difficulties Post-Demobilisation: The Sisi Watoto journalists highlighted that demobilised children should not have disproportionate expectations. Numerous children joined the armed forces due to poverty and a lack of any other option. After demobilisation, children are confronted with the same precarious economic conditions.
  • Discussion of the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) process: Demobilised child soldiers described their experiences during the disarmament and demobilisation processes and their life in the transit centre in Kindu. Also, the term DDR is widely used in the Congolese media, but what is the Congolese population's understanding of it? To respond to this question, a team of young Sisi Watoto reporters interviewed adults and children in the streets of Bukavu and in demobilisation canters.



According to the organisers, since its inception, the project has been able to open a space in eastern Congo for discussion about conflict issues affecting children, and has furthered young people's ability to speak out. They state that the programme received over 500 letters from Bukavu and its surrounding communities containing children's hopes, opinions, and suggestions for the peace process, for further issues to be covered, and requests to join the team of journalists. As a result of the programme, organisers say that a group of young leaders has been formed who give voice to children and contribute to the dialogue of peace.

Development Issues

Conflict, Children, Youth, Rights, Violence.

Key Points

The team has been recognised by One World and UNICEF, which awarded them the "Children's Lives, Children's Voices" award for the best radio programme produced by, for, and about children. The award is determined based on a worldwide review of nominations by a panel of children's rights experts and journalists.

Partners

United States Agency for International Development's Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI), Search For Common Ground (SFCG).

Contact

Lena Slachmuijlder
Director, Centre Lokole
Search for Common Ground (SFCG) in DRC

Avenue Hippodrome, Numero 39

Bukavu
Congo (DRC)
Tel: 243 812411375


Bernardin Sebahire
Search For Common Ground (SFCG) - DRC

2ème Niveau
Immeuble Ruhenzori
Blvd du 30 juin
BP 9543 kin 1

Kinshasa Gombe
Congo (DRC)
Tel: +243 812411375


Frances Fortune
Africa Director
Search for Common Ground

1601 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite 200

Washington
DC 20009
United States
Tel: +1 202 265 4300
Fax: +1 202 232 6718

Source

Aloys Niyoyita sent an e-mail to Soul Beat Africa on November 10 2004 and Search for Common Ground website on November 9 2008.


Placed on the Soul Beat Africa site November 17 2004
Last Updated December 01 2008



How useful did you find the knowledge and contacts on this page to your work?


0
No votes yet
Your rating: None


COMMENTS POSTED


Help Seed The CI Network

Jobs and more...

Community Radio and Gender

Community radio can play an important role in addressing gender imbalances in Africa. Of the key ways that this can be achieved, where is the most significant progress being made? (you may choose more than one option)