Fondation Hirondelle enjoys the backing of the SDC. It supports the creation and management of independent media in conflict or post-conflict areas. The association’s work is based on the conviction that impartial, independent and accurate information provided to those who are deprived of it is the best way to transform societies in crisis.
It believes that the information should, in particular, allow millions of listeners to learn about the reality in their countries, to form their own opinions and above all, to be heard. The media created or supported by Fondation Hirondelle builds good citizenship.
Defending the right to information is a fundamental principle. Fondation Hirondelle has invested in producing and broadcasting programmes, training journalists and managing radio stations, as well as seeking to ensure the sustainability of the radio stations it supports. It also aims to consolidate and professionalise local radio stations.
Radio Ndeke Luka, for example, is a national radio station in the Central African Republic. Thanks to the NGO, it has become the station for all the people of CAR. It is the only radio station that brings together, in equal numbers, men and women of all ages and all social classes. Its main asset lies primarily in its credibility: the Central African people place great trust in it and consider it a reliable source of information.
Preventing and dealing with crises, conflicts and disasters
One of the main aims of the Swiss development cooperation is to encourage active public participation in political life. The SDC works to strengthen the media and improve access to information. Against this background, a free media allows people to be actively involved and can, in certain cases, play a role in the peaceful resolution of conflict.
«Fondation Hirondelle’s work plays a key role in achieving one of the SDC’s strategic objectives, which is to prevent and deal with crises, conflicts and disasters», underlines Sonia Carlotti, an officer in the SDC’s Institutional Partnerships Division. A free media ensures increased transparency and allows different points of view to be heard and shared with a wide audience, particularly in the run-up to elections or during legislative reforms.
From the voice of the state to public service
After the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, the SDC commissioned Fondation Hirondelle to professionalise the country’s national radio station. As part of its «Forging democracy through regional radio» project, the SDC has provided technical and financial assistance to the state radio station as well as to one of its regional channels, Radio Gafsa.
The residents of Tunisia’s most marginalised regions have been able to access unbiased information. In October 2014, the correspondents covered the parliamentary elections with great professionalism.
A living partnership
«Up to the end of 2012, Switzerland had taken part in the Fondation Hirondelle’s activities on an ad hoc basis, by supporting some projects. In 2013, the SDC established an institutional partnership with it, which will continue to 2016. In other words, the SDC currently supports the foundation’s programme, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Mali, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire», explains the SDC’s programme officer. Switzerland’s contribution in 2015 is CHF 2.7 million and will exceed CHF 2.8 million in 2016. And Sonia Carlotti adds: «Our cooperation is not limited to financial support, it also allows us to discuss development issues and contribute to the exchange of experiences». Through this collaboration, the SDC benefits from technical knowledge and skills in media and journalism. The SDC considers Fondation Hirondelle to be a unique player in the sector and welcomes its pertinence and wide acceptance. Today, it is an international point of reference with respect to support for the media in crisis contexts
