Ellie Walton and Sunju Ahmadu are young filmmakers seeking to tell the story of how radio helps get youth involved in peace-building in war-torn Sierra Leone. Sunju, who grew up in Sierra Leone, describes her home and goals for the project:  

My country of origin is Sierra Leone. It is a beautiful country with a vibrant population, situated on the coast of West Africa . However, in 1992 we were plague by what became a decade long civil war where Sierra Leonean rebels committed some of the most brutal atrocities against innocent civilians. Judging from the reaction of people when I tell them I am originally from Sierra Leone, I believe the international media coverage of the war has led to a widespread view that we are a violent, corrupt people from a hopeless land. I am thus dedicated to presenting stories of those who survived the war and are making positive contributions to promote social change within the country. The development of community radios in particular has played a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation by encouraging Sierra Leoneans, young and old, to voice their concerns and to come up with resolutions.

Ellie notes that the film will

focus on stories of a former child soldier who is now hosting her own show about children’s rights, as well as a group of young people who are just learning radio skills. Through the documentary they hope to illustrate how Sierra Leoneans are actively working for change, through the brilliance of educational music and soap operas played on the radio. The film seeks to rejuvenate a sense of pride and hope in the country, while also seeking to dispel the image of Africa portrayed in the main stream media as a barren, dangerous and hungry land.

One particular community radio station gained their interest and will be featured in the film. Sunju describes the station:

Radio Tombo is situated in a small fishing community separated from Freetown (the capital of Sierra Leone) by the peninsular mountains. Originally one of the reasons it was set up was to with the geographical distance; the community felt that it was important for them to be connected to the rest of the country and to get the latest national news on the peace process. Radio Tombo received sponsorship from World Vision and Talking Drum Studio, a US-AID sponsored NGO that offers technical training to FM stations. It started out as a project that was managed by Tombo youth; however it has now been adopted by the larger community and has the support of community leaders. The station concentrates on catering to community needs discussing on air themes which include health, HIV/Aids prevention, proper waist disposal and literacy, in addition to programs geared toward women and youth. Ellie and I had the opportunity to interview several young people involved in radio from Tombo who discussed with us their desire to have access to more equipment and to expand their practical skills in radio journalism. She and I discussed with them the possibility of providing such equipment and training in exchange for their contribution to our film.

Both Sunju and Ellie have been involved in social activism for many years. Ellie describes her first experience using the radio as a tool to change public opinion.

When I was ten years old I vividly remember watching a documentary about the destruction of the rainforest in and feeling completely overwhelmed and frightened by its apocalyptic prediction. Nonetheless, I went to my local community radio station and spoke out against deforestation. Although the rainforest may not have been saved by that broadcast, it was an empowering experience. This made me realize that through globalization, images like burning trees can be spread around the world instantaneously, which can sometimes lead to powerlessness and frustration.

During college, Ellie continued her activism.

During college, I discovered on the internet that a community radio station in Guatemala was looking for volunteers.I jumped at the opportunity to work in a radio station which was set up to promote peace building. For 3 months I helped train young people in radio skills and supported the production of a radio soap opera which encouraged women to vote in the upcoming elections. However, the former dictator Rios Mont, accused of acts of genocide during the 36 year civil war, was also running for president, and many feared political suppression. Upon return to Washington DC, I created a link between the community radio station in Guatemala to my own neighborhood station. On election day, the radio reports from the streets of were broadcast to Washington DC , extending the support network to guard against suppression. Not only did Rios Mont lose in the first round, but record numbers of Guatemalans went to the polls, including the largest percentage of women ever.

Currently Sunju and and Ellie are in film school together in London. They hope to return to Sierra Leone soon to make the documentary.

Hoping to change the world, both offered strong advice to young people everywhere. Sunju recommends:

Travel far and wide. The media i.e. print, television, radio, film and the internet, are only some of the ways to inform you about the world which we live in. They are not the only means of obtaining knowledge and are certainly not always the most reliable sources of information. If given the opportunity, try to meet and get to know people from all walks of life. Always try to keep an open mind and question that which you think you know about a people or a place, especially if you have never been.

Ellie’s message:

My message for young people is thus always seek out new things, as life is about learning, and learning is about exploring different perspectives, opening your mind to new conversations. Globalization has enabled this exchange. Although it is to easy to be overwhelmed by the injustices of the world, to be swept away by the divisions made between north and south, east and west, it is crucial to participate and cross over those boundaries. Travel, and share stories: it makes you realize that a midst all these differences, there is everything to share. This exchange, I believe strongly can foster positive change, starting at the personal/local level.

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