In wake of a devastating humanitarian crisis, when free speech and independent journalism are under attack, BARKA began an exciting new program that came out of its strategic planning process with the Board of Directors: to strengthen the capacity of Burkinabè media professionals and journalists.
Burkina Faso is currently experiencing the fastest growing Internally Displaced Persons crisis on the planet. Our timing is critical, as the government has placed strict regulations on what journalists and newsmakers can cover with regard to the crisis.
The project, funded by the US Embassy of Ouagadougou, and partnered with a What Matters Productions, a Hollywood production company, emphasizes the sharing of expertise by American filmmakers and producers. This is what "reciprocity" is all about. The objective of the program was for Burkinabè media professionals and journalism students to create, produce, and disseminate short films (Public Service Announcements or PSAs) on themes that emphasize and highlight the shared values that exist between the US and Burkina Faso.
The PSAs focused on three themes: advancing peace and countering violent extremism, promoting equitable social growth with particular regard to gender rights and menstrual health, and reinforcing health security in the context of a global pandemic. In this new program, BARKA is reaching a national audience, serving the public interest across several of our mission themes, while simultaneously strengthening the capacity of local media professionals and journalists to tell better stories and access global channels of distribution.
In the coming year, we look forward to continuing this important work and replicating this pilot in other African countries.
Your generous tax-deductible year end gift will help BARKA continue to support media professionals and the promotion of democracy in Burkina Faso at a time when it is most needed. We're incredibly proud of this program and the young professionals who participated in it. It is a continuation of the way BARKA has used media to advance its mission from the beginning. Thank you for your support of BARKA to continue to innovate to serve the needs of the people of Burkina Faso.
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