Journal Mwange combats the lack of access to accurate information that many refugees face by giving refugees a forum to write about the issues they find important and share information with other members of the community. Highlighting the achievements of outstanding community members, Journal Mwange promotes unity in Mwange Camp and outlines stellar examples for others to follow. News writers for Journal Mwange interview and collaborate with UNHCR officials when drafting their articles to ensure that their publication is accurate and unbiased and to improve relations between refugees and officials in the camp.
The Mwange Refugee Camp has in the past relied on word of mouth to pass news throughout the camp, meaning that information would sometimes fail to reach those who needed it most. The word of mouth system spread much misinformation and provided no means to corroborate truths or dispel rumors. Seeking to provide a more reliable method of sharing information, Journal Mwange writers collaborate with UNHCR and other NGO partners to ensure that the community receives accurate and relevant news. In addition, the “Kids’ Page” of the paper promotes literacy by providing fun and engaging activities for Mwange’s youth.
Journal Mwange publishes approximately one issue, in both French and Swahili, every two months. Each issue produces up to 150 copies, which sell at a nominal fee that covers basic production expenses. The paper regularly sells out in a matter of days. A copy of each issue is placed in the library for those who could not purchase their own. Among the foremost beneficiaries from the paper are its staff, who receive invaluable training in writing, journalism ethics, photography, and computer skills.
• Conducting interviews with refugees and refugee officials
• Writing news, editorial, sports, or kids’ articles
• Collaborating with refugee officials to ensure accuracy and positive relationships
• Publishing approximately six issues each year
• To increase readership by 10% by 2009
• To hold at least two meetings with community members to solicit feedback on the Journal
• To attract at least 10 new clients to the library each month to read Journal Mwange
• To increase yearly production to 8 issues per year
*Because of budget constraints, FORGE has temporarily scaled back the scope of many of its projects. The project descriptions and budgets seen here describe the project's typical operations, and might therefor not reflect the current situation on the ground. Once sufficient funding is secured for each project, its operations will be expanded back to those reflected in this description and budget.