A group of REDAA partners from across Africa and Asia, working to enhance their projects’ communications, have completed the REDAA Communications Learning Course over a period of six weeks.
In an effort to strengthen communications within REDAA-supported initiatives and boost overall impact, the REDAA programme hosted the Communications Learning Course, six-weeks of training focused on strategic communications. The course aimed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to create new, or enhance existing, communications strategies to support their projects.
Fifty one participants from all current 21 REDAA-supported projects across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia took part, with representatives from both lead and partner organisations, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the space.
The course covered fundamental elements of a communications strategy, including setting objectives, audience mapping, targeted messaging, storytelling, clear writing, and monitoring and evaluation. The content and format were co-designed with participants with the aim to address the specific needs and gaps identified through previous conversations.
Participants had plenty of opportunities to share experiences, exchange best practices and explore communications challenges across different contexts and geographies. A few colleagues presented case studies showcasing innovative approaches to communications within their projects.
- Gladith Yoabu, communications officer from WWF Tanzania working in Tanzania and Kenya in partnership with BBC Media Action, shared how the project uses radio broadcasting in the Maasai language to engage local communities. The project set up 20 community listener groups to ensure that key messages reach and resonate with people on the ground.
Feedback showed that the course boosted participants’ confidence in a range of communication skills. Many felt better equipped to navigate challenges and apply new approaches to their work:
After taking the course, one thing I’ll do differently is focus more on understanding my audience’s perspective before crafting my message. Instead of just sharing information or visuals, I’ll take the time to figure out what emotions, experiences and stories will resonate most with them – Asif Ahmad Udoy, YouthNet Global, Bangladesh
Others highlighted the collaborative nature of the course:
I noticed that communications people face very similar challenges globally; and it was very encouraging to discuss those challenges and map a way forward together, as comms professionals – Caroline Chiimba, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
The course wasn’t just about learning – it was about creating opportunities for future collaboration and finding solutions together. Beyond gaining new skills, participants built new connections with peers facing similar challenges, laying the groundwork for cooperation.