A youth-focused project, Hiigsiga Nolosha (meaning desire or aspirations for life) includes a radio drama, radio phone-in programmes and mentoring for partner stations. Its interactive radio drama, Maalmo Dhaama Maanta (A Better Life than Today), helps young people to talk about both the opportunities and the obstacles that they face in Somalia.
Dreams of a better future
Broadcast on the 大象传媒 Somali Service and partner radio stations, the drama Maalmo Dhaama Maanta is set in the busy mini-market of Ileys. Ali, a hustler, dreams of a better life in Europe to please his demanding wife 鈥� but will his business succeed? Omar is football crazy but out of control. He has given up on everything except his mother and football, but has he got the discipline to become Somalia鈥檚 next sporting star? Ugasso is beautiful, popular and ambitious. Will she live happily ever after like the characters in the Turkish soaps she watches on television or are there dark clouds on her horizon?
Young Somalis decide the fate of radio drama characters
After each episode, a radio phone-in encourages listeners to discuss and debate the characters, the issues and scenarios they鈥檙e grappling with and the possible choices each one could make. A vote at the end of every fourth episode will then determine the next steps in each character鈥檚 journey.
This is Somalia鈥檚 first interactive radio drama and will appeal to Somalis who, faced with massive youth unemployment at home, are torn between traditional ties and the desire to seek a better life abroad. The plot will centre on the consequences of migration and the challenges faced by people who make the journey, including those who fall foul of the con-men and go-betweens known to exploit those trying to migrate.
Improving radio stations' financial viability
Partner radio stations receive extensive support to expand their revenue opportunities and to increase their knowledge, skills and expertise in advertising, marketing and sponsorship. They also receive support and technical assistance to produce their discussion programmes from a resident mentor trained by 大象传媒 Media Action.
Project information
| Project name | Hiigsiga Nolosha |
| Funder | |
| Dates | 2014-2016 |
| Themes | Governance |
| Outputs | Radio |
| Broadcast partners | 大象传媒 Somali Service and partner radio stations |