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’s life.
According to Yachat Nuhu, the Communication and Information Sector Officer of UNESCO Abuja “This 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.
The facilitator Sharon Adetutu Omotoso a senior lecturer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in her bid to give the participants, a better understanding of the subject said, “there is a need for our young ones to be well informed of the possible challenges when trying to migrate to unknown places, particularly when it is not through legal means.” She also touched on internal migration as it affects Nigeria
Another facilitator, Atta Zubairu, an expert in utilizing drama and dramaturgy elements in film and radio for development purposes took the group through the process of scriptwriting on the subject matter.
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 “Fondo Africa” 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 “my husband left me and my son in Nigeria for Europe for better opportunities for the family, it’s been years and he is yet to find the opportunities he was promised”.
By increasing awareness, the drama will help to mitigate the number of migrants who find themselves trapped in exploitative, dangerous situations.