The project has worked with various NGOs in the Niger Delta on strengthening the participation of ordinary people in Niger Delta communities in non-violent civic action, advocacy, and peace promotion initiatives. The NGOs were trained in Theatre for Development (TFD) and complementary participatory communication, documentation, and advocacy techniques. These techniques have proven very effective for engaging community members in exploring sensitive issues in a safe and recognizable (dramatized) setting and mobilizing them to publicly stand up for their rights and demands. The programme was tailor-made to the on-site needs of the participating organisations, combining training with community implementations with guidance and coaching from the applying organisation NPTA.

Locations

• Bayelsa State (Otuasega); Rivers State (Erema).

Sector/Area

• Capacity building, Leadership, Community Development.

Sponsor

• CordAid, Netherlands.

Outcomes/Achievements

• Eight NGOs in the Niger Delta have received training in the use Theatre for Development (TFD) and Participatory Video (PV);
• In Erema and Otuasega, CBO members have received training in both TFD and PV; they have generated action plans towards addressing some of the community development issues identified by the project.
• A key gain in Otuasega was when the youth and elders opted for dialogue with Elf instead of using violent means. In attestation: “If it were not for this project we would have gone out for a war with this company.”

Project Files