Foundation Hirondelle

12 Sep 2008

12 Sep, 2008 Ethics, Uncategorized

I had a wonderfu meeting yesterday with the Founder of Foundation Hirondelle (www.hirondelle.org), Mr. Jean-Marie Etter, and his colleague Anne Bennett, Country Representative for Africa, in the hopes of joining the organization’s advisory board.

Photo Credits Jean-Claude Capt

What is Foundation Hironelle you ask? The Hirondelle Foundation is an organization of journalists which sets up and operates media services (primarily radio statoins) in crisis areas (such as Rawanda). It is the only organization in the world which has such specialized experience in this field.

Photo Credits Jean-Claude Capt

This is critical because an independent media has a fundamental role to play in societies where authoritarian and non-democratic regimes are in power. In such situations, the traditional media fall silent because of the insecurity, the physical risks and because the money invested in development projects could ultimately end up serving no useful purpose. But an independent radio can play a crucial role in furthering peace by dissipating rumors, avoiding propaganda and focusing attention on hard facts.

Photo Credits Jean-Claude Capt

In Africa for example, over 77 percent of the population is illiterate, and radio plays a critical role in the dissemination of information. Furthermore, with most residents lacking electricity, battery operated radio is their only source of news and information. Foundation Hirondelle ensures that this need is met.

Photo Credits Jean-Claude Capt

The Hirondelle Foundation collaborates in the development of tolerant and democratic societies and contributes to creating a responsible, civic-minded exchange of opinions via an independent media within the public. The Foundation is particularly interested in justice, one of the preconditions for reconciliation in divided societies.

Photo Credits Jean-Claude Capt

I became interested in their work because I’m a firm believer that information=empowerment. The organization is currently setting up an office in NYC for fundraising and outreach to continue their mission. I hope I can assist them with this effort…it falls well within our agency’s mission of “Changing the World; One Client at a Time.”