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WACC supports a radio station for peace in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone in West Africa is still on the road to recovery after being devastated by a decade of civil war in which tens of thousands of people were killed, children recruited as soldiers, given drugs and used to commit atrocities. Much of the country’s communication and information infrastructure was destroyed and it still faces the challenge of reconstruction.
The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) together with the Council of Churches of Sierra Leone (CCSL) is setting up a radio station in the country’s capital, Freetown, to broadcast programmes aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.
Radio Shalom will air programmes and stories seeking healing and reconciliation between different ethnic and religious groups according to Mrs. Ebun James-DeKam, General Secretary of CCSL.
“Radio Shalom is working to heal war trauma and ultimately to bring about peace and reconciliation. It will especially focus on youth and children, encouraging them to become peace ambassadors in schools and communities.”
She emphasized the uniqueness and the crucial role Radio Shalom will play in promoting the voices of children in rebuilding the country. Radio Shalom is the only radio station in the country specifically committed to addressing issues affecting children.
The station will air special programmes highlighting the role of parents, government and communities in improving the lives of children especially the most vulnerable. Children themselves will also have an opportunity to visit the radio station and discuss their concerns especially those related to trauma of the civil war.
In preparation for presidential and general elections to be held later this year, the radio station will provide information about electoral and democratic processes and responsible citizenship. It will also broadcast debates on current affairs in which the public can phone-in to ask questions and share their views.
CCSL is an umbrella organization of 17 member churches and ten affiliates which aims to promote peace, justice and development in the country.
WACC, whose vision is “Communication for All”, is committed to advancing peace, understanding and justice. On April 1, WACC launched an online fundraising campaign for Radio Shalom through the GlobalGiving platform. GlobalGiving is a fundraising web site that gives social entrepreneurs and non-profits from around the world a chance to raise funds for different projects.
For more information about the fundraising campaign and to donate to the project please visit: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/build-a-radio-station-for-peace-in-sierra-leone/ or contact: MT@waccglobal.org
For more information about the Council of Churches of Sierra Leone go to: http://www.ccslweb.org/
{Teresia Mutuku, Communication Officer and Web Manager, WACC}
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