Broadcasting for peace

28 September 2006

A quarter of a million people were killed in Liberia's bloody civil war. Thousands fled the violence that lasted 14 years, finally ending in 2003. Y Care International’s YMCA partner is helping young people overcome the trauma of the conflict and build peace in their communities using the power of radio.

Thirteen-year-old Diacallyne takes up position in front of a battered microphone held in place by a makeshift wooden stand. She takes a deep breath, holds on tightly to the microphone and switches it on to broadcast her own radio programme.

But this is far from child’s play. Around 60,000 people tune in to her broadcasts, which cover a range of issues from health to democracy.

Young broadcasters

Diacallyne is one of around 60 young broadcasters with the YMCA of Liberia’s four amateur radio stations, supported by Y Care International as part of its post-conflict work in the country. The young people use basic equipment to make their broadcasts, including car batteries for energy since electricity is still not readily available in Liberia.

Diacallyne remembers her first day at the microphone. “I was shy at first and whenever they wanted me to talk on air I would hold back. But as time went by, with encouragement, I began to say a few words.”

Connected with communities

Soon, she had her own place in the broadcast schedule. She is now helping to produce ‘Golden Kids’, a radio programme that gathers young people’s views on issues that are important to them and allows them to share their experiences on air. “Being with the radio station is giving me the opportunity to make friends, learn, and be connected with communities,” says Diacallyne.

The YMCA stations are spread across Nimba and Margibi counties, allowing their young broadcasters to reach around 300,000 people. Their daily talk shows, news, jingles, interviews and skits cover issues like reproductive health, civic education, and voting rights. They also produce programmes in local languages.

Chance to gain skills

Through its radio broadcasting work the YMCA is giving marginalised young people, many of whom have been deprived of formal education or forced to fight in the country’s civil conflict, the chance to gain skills like reporting, interviewing, editing and radio production. And – reflecting the YMCA’s steadfast commitment to youth participation – young people are not only involved in producing the stations’ output; they are also responsible for their management.

As well as having a positive influence on the confidence and development of young people like Diacallyne, the broadcasts are a lifeline for the communities they reach.  The YMCA knows that radio – the most widespread and popular tool of communication in Africa – is the best way to connect with communities as it helps rebuild Liberia.

Dependant on radio

Radio’s popularity in the country is partly a legacy of the war, when people were dependant on their sets for news during crises. When fighting ended in 2003 the YMCA stations were the first in their areas to surface, quickly winning large audiences among local populations.

Like many young people in Liberia, 25-year-old Malusu was deeply affected by the war, which claimed her father’s life. She has been broadcasting from the YMCA’s radio station in Unification Town since she was 19.

“When the YMCA established its youth radio programme in 2000, I took advantage of the opportunity and participated in journalism workshops,” she says. “I started as an announcer and later began to produce programmes on issues like reproductive health and peace building. My involvement with the YMCA radio station brings me close to people. It provides an opportunity for me to build relationships and serve as a role model for many young women in my community.”

Overcome trauma

Malusu feels her involvement with the radio station has helped her overcome the trauma of the conflict and shaped the dynamic youth leader she is today. “I have been transformed from a quiet person. The YMCA has developed opportunities for young people, regardless of ethnic, sex, religious or social backgrounds and I’m happy to be part of it.”

Thousands of young people Malusu’s age are recovering from the degradation and terror of having been child soldiers. Their use by all sides in the Liberian conflict was widespread – at the end of the war there were an estimated 21,000 child soldiers. These young Liberians were victims of atrocities and sexual violence, and often they were forced to commit unspeakable acts of violence.

<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->Told to fight

Matthew grew up in Ganta, which was attacked in 2003. “As I was finding my way out of the city, I met a few fighters who told me I had to join them to fight and help defend the city. Right there, I was given a gun,” he says.

The Government’s efforts to demobilise former child soldiers like Matthew fall far short of their wider rehabilitation needs, and the YMCA is helping fill this gap. Through its radio stations it actively encourages young ex-combatants to play a part in rebuilding their communities – essential in helping them overcome their trauma.

Afraid would not be allowed on air

One evening towards the end of the conflict, Matthew saw the red light on the top of the YMCA station’s antenna, and found out about the broadcasting project. “There was no other radio station at the time and most people had escaped from the war. I was very excited and wanted to get involved but was afraid that people would label me and not allow me on the air.”

But when Matthew built up the courage to approach the YMCA, he was spurred on by the reception he received. “The next day I went to my commander and told him I didn’t want to be a fighter anymore. The staff made me feel welcome and I began spending time at the YMCA, doing some interviews and taking part in training programmes and activities.”

‘Broadcasting my joy’

Matthew now manages the YMCA Radio Station in Ganta. “I wake up early every morning to ensure that the station comes on air and leave late every night. Broadcasting is now my joy, my passion and my life.”

He uses his time on air to encourage other ex-combatants to denounce violence and lead a positive life. “Many of my friends who also took part in the war say that my broadcasts are helping them transform their lives and work towards a more productive future,” he says.

Opportunity to rebuild life

“Sometimes I look back on the horrors of my experiences in the war, but I’m happy that I’ve had the opportunity to rebuild my life. I believe many people have even forgotten that I was a combatant.”

By involving ex-combatants like Matthew, the YMCA is sending powerful messages – that it is possible to overcome fear and stigma, and that the peace building process embraces – and requires – people from all backgrounds.

Young people like Diacallyne, Malusu and Matthew are examples of the hope and empowerment the YMCA has brought to young people in the aftermath of violent civil conflict. “I am grateful to the YMCA for encouraging young people to work together in this way,” says Diacallyne. “To me, it’s a sign of restoring hope for our future.”

• Adapted from an article published in Insight, The magazine of Y Care International, issue one, 2006.