Media and Advocacy

Throughout our years working with war-affected communities first in Ghana, and then Liberia, we learned first hand of the difficulties refugees and displaced people in exile or in post-conflict environments have in affirming their rights.

A particularly stressful and traumatic crisis that shook the Liberian refugee community in Ghana in 2008 was at the root of our decision to include advocacy in our work. While we remain focused on our community work, we also place an emphasis on collaborating with other organizations on advocacy activities.

Cooperation

In 2008, The Niapele Project supported the creation of Buduburam Refugee Concerns International, a forum for information and resource sharing. Along with other coalition members, we lobbied authorities for a fair and peaceful resolution of the crisis between Liberian refugees and the Ghanaian authorities.

We worked with Valentina Canavesio, from Ayoka Productions, to produce this video:

 The Plight of Liberian Refugees

Collaboration

We decided to become NewLiberian's fiscal sponsor in 2009. NewLiberian is an important outlet for the Liberian diaspora, reporting on political, economic and human rights issues in Liberia. We strongly believe in the importance and necessity of strong, relevant and accurate reporting for Liberia's reconstruction. Access to quality information is one of the keys to ensure the establishment and consolidation of peace and democracry - an empowered, well-informed citizenry is critical.

Make a tax-deductible donation to NewLiberian today

With this in mind, we are also working alongside Cease Fire Liberia (CFL) and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) to support the work of local journalists in Liberia. Faced with a chronic lack of resources and a very challenging industry for professionals and aspiring reporters, we are proud to be a part of an effort which seeks to provide local journalists, bloggers and writers with the resources necessary for them to carry out their work in an ethical, useful manner.

Read about our Book Drive for Liberian Journalists, in partnership with CFL, NewLiberian and JHR.