Focus on DRC

Image via cia.gov

In the November 2010 issue of Forced Migration Review, the journal explores the complex problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

“The Democratic Republic of Congo is unfortunately synonymous with its dreadful past and its terrible present, despite its beauty, complex history and unachieved potential. Locked not only into its own internal troubles but also into those of the Great Lakes region, it has provided more than enough material on forced migration, violence and political quagmires for the latest issue of FMR.”

Search for Common Ground is familiar with the challenges the DRC faces: we have been present in the country since 2001.  In collaboration with 100 local partners, SFCG implements a variety of programs, including radio and television production, participatory theatre, and anti-sexual violence campaigns.

This week, we will be taking a closer look at the DRC, offering insight into our projects there as well as the challenges that affect the country.  In Vanessa Noël Brown’s “Foundations for repatriation and peace in DRC,” she examines the role NGOs can play in “advancing reconciliation, social cohesion and healthy relationships in refugee return zones” given the often fraught, tense scenarios Congolese refugees face.  We talk to Mike Jobbins about SFCG’s Tosale’lango (Let’s Do It), the country’s only reality TV show that calls on youth participants to carry out their vision of change in their community. We’ll also talk about alternative ways of reaching an audience—like comic books and mobile cinema!