In autumn 2024, Fondation Hirondelle launched a new project to support the advocacy capabilities of Beninese civil society. This project, supported by the European Union, focuses on the dissemination of independent, responsible and inclusive information, placing Beninese citizens at the heart of public debate. Fondation Hirondelle has developed key partnerships with FeRCAB (Fédération des Radios Communautaires et Assimilées du Bénin), which is already a partner in a multi-country project to combat misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2021), as well as with Ekôlab, a laboratory for quality journalism in West Africa that promotes rigorous and informative journalism.
This project has a dual objective:
- To help local media work effectively with civil society organisations (CSOs) and report on the concerns of citizens.
- To improve people's access to and participation in local media content on local development issues. This includes content aimed at promoting a culture of gender equality, governance and the effects of climate and environmental change.
For the duration of the project, the selected local media will be supported in the production of media content, both online and offline, in the national languages and in French. Round tables, magazines and public broadcasts will be produced, bringing together various stakeholders in the public debate (civil society organisations, experts, authorities, etc.). FeRCAB radio stations will receive training and coaching in journalistic techniques, as well as more specific training, depending on needs, such as training for the women in FeRCAB's women's network or for CSOs, in the use of digital technology, advocacy and communication techniques, and so on. Finally, media education workshops will help young people aged between 10 and 15 to understand how information is used and produced, and the role and importance of independent, responsible and inclusive information.
The project in figures :
- 18 radio stations partners
- 8 departments covered
- 40 civil society organisations partners