Since 2020, Fondation Hirondelle has been implementing the media component of the PACT programme (Active Participation of Tunisian Citizens) in consortium with the Danish organisation NIRAS. The project aims to expand the civic space and foster dialogue between authorities and individuals, particularly the most vulnerable, in order to achieve real co-construction of public action in the High Steppes region (Governates of Gafsa, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kef, Sidi Bouzid and Siliana).
Phase 2 of the project began in May 2023. Fondation Hirondelle is pursuing its commitment, providing support to local media as actors in good governance and sustainable development at the local level.
Key Figures 2024
26 media partners
46 media professionals trained
30 hours of video production
Financial Volume 2024
233,437 CHF
Sources of Funding
• Switzerland (Project Contributions)
• Switzerland (Mandate via NIRAS)
TRAINING, INFORMING AND TAKING PART: LOCAL MEDIA AT THE HEART OF DEMOCRATIC DIALOGUE
The political transformation that Tunisia has been undergoing since 2011 continues to create structural difficulties in the country. In response to this crisis, the president of the republic has taken drastic measures that have proven controversial, such as the adoption of a new constitution in august 2022. The country’s economic situation has seriously declined. In this tense climate, a record number of illegal migrants seek entry into Europe, social movements have developed, and human rights violations have significantly increased.
Against this backdrop, Fondation Hirondelle has provided support for the creation of a network of 46 journalists, almost 80% of whom are women and whose average age is between 25 and 35. Trained and coached on local governance issues, this network is active in 26 local and regional media outlets. In 2024, these journalists produced 225 pieces of content, including 100 video reports. These productions shed light on public
policy issues such as the difficulty of access to local governance structures and the lack of employment opportunities for young people.
This course completely transformed my work. I learned to lead debates more forcefully and to use MoJo to produce engaging reports, which allows me to highlight voices from my community and to share their stories in a more impactful way.
Naima Gharsallah, Radio Twiza, Sidi Bouzid
This content was broadcast on air and online by the network’s media outlets, as well as on a dedicated Facebook page. In 2024, the journalists of this network received training and coaching in mobile journalism (MoJo), leading debates, and fact-checking, and worked on issues relating to the economic viability of their media organisations. Communities received communication training to help them express themselves clearly when speaking to the media.
Local media coverage of citizen-led development projects, local associations, municipalities and the authorities significantly contributed to enriching the dialogue between these parties. This process also helped to foster a culture of responsibility and transparency within local PACT projects while facilitating citizens’ access to reliable and useful information, thereby bolstering the demand for accountability.
In 2025, the skills-building programme will be maintained and will continue to be provided both to communities in order to improve their ability to communicate about the issues they face, and to media and journalists, with a focus on mobile and investigative journalism. The network of journalists and media partners will be maintained and will be joined by 12 new journalists. Lastly, our digital presence is reinforced by the production of video content.