World Peace Day: Community Radio Broadcasts Foster Peace and Integration Between Refugees and Host Communities
Let us join the world in celebrating World Peace Day, theme being “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”. Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET) is producing radio feature stories to support the broadcasting of messages and news on peace-building between refugees and host communities across 30 community radios.
These broadcasts feature testimonials of refugees who have been successfully integrated into the local communities. Created by a dedicated network of journalists from participating community radio stations, the content is designed to enrich our understanding of each other and inspire strength in unity among different cultural groups. They tell the stories of refugees and bring out how they live a normal life, benefitting society, with hosts accepting them in their community too — showing that integration is not just possible but equally good for all.
Focusing on the Shirika Plan for Refugee Integration
Another focus of radio features is the Shirika Plan, a major collaborative initiative between the Government of Kenya and UNHCR Kenya. This initiative, formerly known as the Marshall Plan, promotes the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees by transforming traditional refugee camps into integrated settlements for both refugees and asylum seekers.
The Shirika Plan aims to reduce pressure on hosting communities while simultaneously fostering self-reliance for both refugees and locals. By creating integrated settlements, the plan helps balance resources and ensures that refugees and asylum seekers contribute to the economic and social life of the coarea. It addresses critical sectors such as education, health, livelihoods, social protection, and environmental management, offering a comprehensive approach to successful integration. The plan not only improves the quality of life for refugees but also enhances the well-being of host communities by creating sustainable solutions for all.
Engaging the Audience through Radio
These radio features will be incorporated with interactive talk shows and allow the audience to participate actively and interact with the content. Call-ins, text messages, and social media will enhance the presenters’ interaction with the audience as they address issues of refugee settlement and peace building. The audience will ask questions and share and reflect on how the societies they belong to can strengthen peace and inclusion.
Furthermore, the talk shows will include local peacebuilding practitioners who will enrich and deepen the discussion. They will tell how local people can work with refugees and build peaceful environments within which all the people are happy.
The Umoja Radio for Peace Project
The broadcasting and production of these broadcasts are part of the Umoja Radio for Peace Project with the support of GIZ Kenya. The Umoja Radio for Peace Project aims to promote integration and peace through community-led initiatives that stimulate educational dialogue. By presenting the life stories of refugees, KCOMNET will first increase awareness about the significance of fostering a culture of peace and inclusion. Additionally, the broadcasts are intended to reduce stereotypes and promote understanding between refugees and hosted communities.
The goal is to promote coexistence by providing community education on living in harmony while encouraging the potential benefits of integrating and valuing differences. Finally, this project empowers the communities to create stronger, more inclusive communities where refugees and host communities respond to each other in providing a peaceful future.
Story by Doreen Mwasi