Studio Yafa, the new multimedia program for young people in Burkina Faso run by Fondation Hirondelle, was officially opened on Friday, March 1 in Ouagadougou, with the aim of promoting intergenerational dialog in a country that has several problem areas.

Five years on from the popular uprising in Burkina Faso, which was followed by elections and a democratic transition, the population continues to have high expectations of the government. The poverty rate remains extremely high and the opportunities for young people (over 70% of the population is under the age of 35) are limited. The basic conditions for violent extremism do exist in society.

In view of this situation, it is extremely unfortunate that the young people in Burkina Faso are not being listened to. It is really important to offer them places where they can express themselves and be heard by all sections of society. This is the aim of Studio Yafa, the new multimedia program launched by Fondation Hirondelle and its partners in Ouagadougou. A team of young Burkinabe journalists and translators produce radio programs, debates, and videos in four languages. A network of media partners throughout the country broadcasts the contributions.

The content is produced by a team of young journalists and professional translators in a studio in Ouagadougou, who have been recruited, trained, and supported by experts from Fondation Hirondelle, including an experienced former journalist and editor-in-chief of BBC Africa. A network of correspondents from partner media associations throughout the country will complement the team from May 2019.

This project is being run in cooperation with 15 radio stations that broadcast Studio Yafa programs, two television channels, an online medium, and a Burkinabe youth organization. The project is being funded by the Swedish and Swiss cooperation centers.

The Studio Yafa website will go live in May. The productions have been available on social networks (Studio Yafa Facebook and Twitter pages) since March 4.