WHAT WE DO IN SENEGAL

In March 2021, Theatre for a Change and Africa Check were awarded funding from the Google News Initiative to implement projects in Senegal and Nigeria focused on combatting COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, especially among offline and illiterate communities. TfaC’s unique Interactive Radio Drama (IRD) methodology was chosen for its ability to reach these communities in participatory and impactful ways.

In August-September 2021, TfaC delivered four weeks of intensive online IRD training to a group of radio performers, presenters and producers in Dakar, Senegal. The group learned how to produce live IRD programmes that give audiences the chance to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence that are needed to fact-check vaccine misinformation, and to educate their families and friends about the vaccine and the virus – including ways to seek out reliable sources of information and medical advice.

 

The project’s radio producer at work, editing a new drama for broadcast.

 

Presenting the live radio programme.

 

The TfaC-trained Core Radio Team.

 

The live weekly broadcasts began on 18th October 2021 on Radio OxyJeunes 103.4 FM, and will run through the end of April 2022. All broadcasts are being produced in Wolof, the local language.

We are excited to move into this new thematic area of work, recognising how important fact-checking vaccine misinformation is to improving the health and rights of marginalised and vulnerable women and girls.

 

Artwork advertising the live IRD broadcasts in Senegal.

 

Listen to a sample episode here:

Photo copyright Mamadou Cellou Diallo

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The IRD training taught me that drama is not only about performing on stage, but people can also feel your emotions through your voices. It has improved my skills in drama and I’ve learnt personally that together we can achieve and go further.

Senegal Core Radio Team Member

Read an in-depth report of the training here