Article
Youth Drama Group Trained on Irregular Migration by UNESCO
Radio drama has been proven as an effective indigenous communication tool used in reaching people at all levels, particularly on topical issues, such as migration. In every part of the world, the issue of irregular migration is becoming more pressing and very worrisome. It is, however, important that avenues are created, for information sharing for informed decisions, particularly as it affects the youth, with a focus on gender.
To this end and using the unique benefit of comedy or drama on the radio and its dynamism in achieving an informed and inclusively developed society, UNESCO through its partners Agate Multimedia Concepts organized a two-day training workshop for the youth drama group to produce A-13-week radio content/drama and particularly taking into account how COVID-19 pandemic has affected migration.
The training workshop was set to educate the youth on issues relating to irregular migration and develop scripts around this, which are expected to be aired in six radio stations, taking into consideration the country's geopolitical arrangement.
The overall goal of the radio drama is expected to empower the society, with the right information, raise awareness, create discussions on migration issues, job opportunities for youths, returnees, risks associated with irregular migration, and other related matters for positive effects- self-confidence and motivation in people鈥檚 life.
According to Yachat Nuhu, the Communication and Information Sector Officer of UNESCO Abuja 鈥淭his activity is aimed to sensitize/create awareness on how vulnerable people seek to pursue economic opportunities abroad on the hazards of irregular migration done outside the regulated frameworks by providing access to information on pathways to migrate on legal, safety and opportunities.
This activity is part of an ongoing project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation (MAECI) via the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Through the 鈥淔ondo Africa鈥 aimed at empowering young men and women to make informed decisions on migration issues through better access to quality information (SGD16.10)
One of the participants recounts 鈥渕y husband left me and my son in Nigeria for Europe for better opportunities for the family, it鈥檚 been years and he is yet to find the opportunities he was promised鈥.
By increasing awareness, the drama will help to mitigate the number of migrants who find themselves trapped in exploitative, dangerous situations.
