Marie: We are two ambassadors from the Hirondelle Foundation. The Hirondelle Foundation was created in 1995. It aims to give information to populations which face crises and help them take action in their daily lives.
Alison: Professional and independent media like hirondelle foundation have some missions to build peace throughout the world.
Our first function is the protection. Indeed, we provide news and we explain where the conflict takes place, Which areas are safe for people, and where people can find some help during a conflict. To conclude, our media provides news which permits the population to protect themselves against risks that threaten them.
Our second function is the prevention of conflicts. With the ambassadors of the foundation, we create inclusive dialogue with some rules like respect for speaking time and we make sure of the diversity of opinions. That permits people to know and understand each other and generally improve communication. Finally, we work with local journalists who report dysfunctions to help people.
Dune: The Hirondelle Foundation, which has existed for 20 years, is a mediatic contribution to the peace in such conflicts as the situation in the Republic democratic of Congo. In these contexts, the foundation applies few principles :
- First a journalistic method respectful and rigorous. That means verification of information, plurality of the sources, application of a precise distinction between the facts and the coments. In some, all of the aspects that go to allow the population to better understand the conflict that they are facing.
- Then a production in the local languages to stop the isolation of certains groups, the manipulation and the rumors.
- In addition, the respect of a text which contains the codes and values of the foundation. That is to say : independance, honesty, diversity and dignity.
- Lastly, the promotion of the dialogue between both parties in the conflict.
During 12 years we have helped Radio Okapi, the Radio of united Nations since their mission in RDC. We also sustain independent media like Radio Ndeke in the central african republic, a country that face a violent crisis since 17 years. Moreover, we create our own information and dialogue programs, broadcasted by media partners in conflict countries.
Marie: At the end, with this foundation, the concerned population better understand the conflicts that affect them, they are more able to understand the causes, they have access to the information that allow them to protect themselves against the risks that threaten them. Their voices are heard in the search for solutions.
The affected population privileged more dialogues as a solution for the conflicts.
The stakes and stapes of the process of peace are more understood, which favor the participation of the population. For example in the Republic democratic of Congo with the creation of a radio.