Launching a project to strengthen democratic culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a laudable initiative. This is what Fondation Hirondelle, an NGO specializing in media support, did with its new project entitled “Citizen and committed media for the strengthening of democratic culture in the DRC”. This project aims to raise awareness and train the media in order to strengthen their role in building a culture of dialogue and public debate.
The official launch of the project took place in Kinshasa in the presence of the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, as well as representatives of the European Union, which finances this project. Fondation Hirondelle is implementing this project in consortium with Osservatore di Pavia, another international organization.
This project will extend over a period of 24 months and will train the Congolese media in order to develop their skills in citizen and engaged journalism. It is part of an approach to strengthening democratic culture in the DRC, by promoting citizen participation and encouraging open and informed public debate.
Alongside the launch of the project, Fondation Hirondelle also announced the resumption of productions from Studio Hirondelle RDC, which had previously co-managed radio Okapi with MONUSCO for more than ten years. This resumption of the studio’s activities will allow it to continue to broadcast quality media content, thus promoting access to information for Congolese citizens.
This project by Fondation Hirondelle and its partners is of great importance in a context where freedom of the press and access to quality information are essential to consolidate democracy in the DRC. By strengthening media capacities and promoting citizen and engaged journalism, this project will help create an environment conducive to constructive public debate and informed citizen participation.
It is encouraging to see initiatives like this emerging and actively engaging in strengthening democracy. By supporting and training the Congolese media, this project will contribute to better accessibility of information and greater participation of citizens in public debates, essential elements for consolidating democratic culture in the DRC.