From 23–24 July, WFAD’s partner Renaissance Africaine (RENAF) organised a capacity-building workshop for local media professionals in Nyangezi, Walungu Territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as part of Voices for Change: Empowering Youth and Civil Society for Inclusive Prevention and Reintegration, a project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The workshop brought together 15 participants from 10 local radio stations to discuss the role of media in sharing reliable information, promoting human rights, and addressing stigma affecting vulnerable groups, including young people exposed to risks related to substance use.

Facilitated by Mr Laurent Balagizi, National Coordinator and Programme Manager of RENAF, the workshop explored the role of media in sharing reliable information, promoting respectful and human rights-based communication, and raising awareness within communities. Discussions focused on how journalists can contribute to reducing stigma against tuberculosis patients, people living with HIV/AIDS, and young people exposed to risks related to substance use in South Kivu.

Following the workshop, participating journalists committed to strengthening their awareness-raising programmes, promoting inclusive messages, and creating greater opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups to share their experiences. Participants also recommended establishing media campaigns at the community level and strengthening collaboration between media actors, health services, civil society organisations, and local authorities.

By bringing together local media professionals, the workshop created an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration, and explore how media can contribute to more informed and inclusive prevention efforts. The activity contributes to the broader objectives of the Voices for Change project by strengthening the role of local actors in prevention efforts, supporting youth participation, and promoting more inclusive approaches to prevention and reintegration.

In December 2025, WFAD launched the three-year project Voices for Change: Empowering Youth and Civil Society for Inclusive Prevention and Reintegration. The project is being implemented in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda together with our East African Liaison, the WFAD DRC Office, and partners C-SEMA and Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL). It is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).