World Soap for Equal Dignity

Radio Soap Operaby Common Ground

Common Ground Newsletter, Winter 2003-2004:

BURUNDI: In 1995, we began a multi-pronged initiative on the ground in Burundi to help defuse ethnic violence, including a Women’s Peace Center, a project to work with young people who had been involved in violence, and a radio production facility, called Studio Ijambo (Wise Words).  In 2002, we supported the launch of an independent radio station, Radio Isanganiro (Crossroads) by an ethnically mixed group of former Studio Ijambo journalists.  The station’s motto is “Dialogue is better than shooting.”  Here are two examples of the dozens of programs that are produced to encourage tolerance and reconciliation:

- Inkingi Y'ubuntu (Pillars of Humanity).  This series tells the stories of Burundians who have risked their lives to protect a person from another ethnic group.  Started in 1999, the series has honored more than 200 heroes.  To encourage even more behavior of this sort, we are planning a Heroes Summit next year in Bujumbura.

- Mbabarira (I'm Sorry).  This brand new series provides a safe forum for Burundians to talk about past acts that they now regret.  In a society where atrocities are commonplace, we believe it is important to encourage forgiveness and apology.  Programs have featured a mother who regretted mistreating an adopted child, a domestic worker who was sorry for having sown jealousy in the home where she worked, and a man who forgave a friend for stealing his mobile phone.  According to producer Michel Rwamo, “We wanted to reach people who were either too afraid or too proud to face the other person.”  

- Documentary.  Our work in Burundi is highlighted in a new TV documentary to be aired on US public television.  Called Peace by Peace: Women on the Frontlines, it focuses on women as peacemakers.  Produced by an all-female crew led by Patricia Smith Melton, the program includes three of our staff, Jeannine Nahigombeye, Director of Radio Isanganiro; Spès Manirakiza, who directed the Women’s Peace Center; and Executive Vice President Susan Collin Marks.  In November, the Washington Post profiled Jeannine, who said, "I will teach my own child that it is not ethnicity that matters, but what one carries in the heart."

MIDDLE EAST: In partnership with MEND (Middle East Non-Violence & Democracy), a Palestinian NGO, we are producing a 26-part, dramatic radio series, Il-Dar Dar Abuna (Home Is Our Home).  It is being aired by nine stations on the West Bank and in Gaza, and it stresses themes of non-violence and individual responsibility.  This is our eighth radio soap opera series around the world.