[JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, TCT]- Sawa Shabab (Together Youth), the popular peacebuilding radio drama for youth, enters its fourth season with a focus on helping South
Sudan’s youth gain awareness of the effects of trauma. The new season will begin broadcasting on Radio Miraya on February 21 in English (aired weekly on Wednesdays at 19:10) and on February 22 in Arabic (aired weekly on Thursdays at 19:10).
“With the constant stream of news stories related to hunger, violence, and the floundering peace process, it can be hard to know what is actually working to improve the lives of ordinary South Sudanese,” said PeaceTech Lab Africa Director, Theo Dolan, who has overseen the development of Sawa Shabab since 2012.
“But through three seasons and the relationships we’ve nurtured with our fans, scriptwriters, and actors, many of whom are based in Juba, we know radio is one medium that absolutely can bring about positive change. When young South Sudanese see themselves mirrored in the struggles and successes of the show’s characters, they see that there is a way forward in South Sudan, and that they have an active role to play.”
Research conducted by Forcier Consulting to measure listenership of Season 3, broadcast last year, shows that nearly half of the South Sudanese youth surveyed are active listeners of Sawa Shabab.
“Youth are resilient and looking towards a better future for South Sudan, even with the situation that they are facing,” says the show’s Juba-based producer, Nichola Franco. “Sawa Shabab is an example of how youth can act and think for the betterment of their country.”
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