Peace through media in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leonan youths listen to the radio as they wait to vote. Radio plays an important role in Sierra Leone.

This great editorial speaks to the challenges and necessities of giving a voice to the voiceless. The author, Mary Magellan, traveled to Sierra Leone as part of a peacebuilding course. Her fellow students met with Search for Common Ground staff in Sierra Leone to learn about the roles they have played in the peacebuilding process and how they have engaged media in their efforts:

“We asked SFCG, ‘What do you believe the causes of the civil war to be?’ Director James Ambrose responded, ‘alienating the youth from making decisions and participating in politics, and [not] giving them opportunities to work.’ SFCG has addressed these root causes by using media to reintegrate and empower youth. They established Talking Drums Studios, a multi-media production studio, to create radio and audio programs that encourage the youth to take an active role in building peace and transforming conflict. Adolescents write and sing songs, recite poems, and tell stories about the challenges they face in the aftermath of the war. Talking Drums promotes the progression of sustainable peace by encouraging citizens to apologize, forgive and heal in a safe space.”

Read the rest of Mary’s reflections here and find out more about SFCG’s actions to secure the release of child soldiers from rebel groups.