In September 2024, Fondation Hirondelle launched a new project, MéSoCiR (Media for a Stronger Civil Society), aimed at supporting the advocacy capacities of Beninese civil society. With funding from the European Union, the project prioritises the circulation of independent, responsible and inclusive information, placing Beninese citizens at the heart of public debate.
Key Figures 2024
18 partner radio stations
23 media professionals trained in fact-checking
3 studies conducted (editorial, technical and management)
8 departments of the country covered
Financial Volume 2024
53,034 CHF
Sources of Funding
• Switzerland (Mandate via GFA)
• European Union
• Communication Partnership Contracts
• Switzerland (SDC Core Contribution)
MEDIA FOR A STRONGER CIVIL SOCIETY IN BENIN
Although Benin’s thriving media landscape is made up of several media outlets, journalists must adapt to restrictive legislation and political interference that make their job more difficult. Self-regulation measures struggle to take hold, and poor working conditions can lead to self-censorship and threaten the independence of the media.
As part of its new project in Benin, Fondation Hirondelle has developed key partnerships with FeRCAB (Fédération des Radios Communautaires et Assimilées du Bénin), already a partner in a 2020–2021 multi-country Covid-19 anti-disinformation project; and Ekôlab, a laboratory for quality journalism in West Africa. Working closely with its partners, Fondation Hirondelle has set itself a twofold objective: firstly, to help local media work effectively with civil society organisations (CSOs) and report on the concerns of citizens, and secondly, to improve people’s access to and participation in local media content focused on local development issues. This content includes programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and governance and raising awareness about climate and environmental change.
In 2025, Fondation Hirondelle will pursue the MéSoCiR project with a training programme for FeRCAB radio stations on journalism techniques, content production and media management. More specific training sessions will be offered according to need—particularly to women in FeRCAB’s women’s network and to partner CSOs—on topics including the use of digital technology, advocacy, communication techniques, local development and gender. Media education workshops will be held for young people aged between 10 and 15 in order to raise their awareness of how information is used, media content production, and the role of independent, responsible and inclusive information.
Project beneficiaries include the 18 FeRCAB radio stations, around 60 women from FeRCAB’s women’s network, around 40 local CSOs, FeRCAB and Ekôlab.