Media, participation and healing : community-led content to overcome the trauma of conflict

This paper explores the potential that involving communities in media production has in post-conflict countries to foster healing and reconciliation. The trauma caused by intense violence on individuals and their communities is severe. In this context, communication is important to help people make sense of their realities and engage in a dialogue, both within their social network and with other communities. By either directly or indirectly involving people in the production process, individuals are given the opportunity to tell their stories and express their feelings. At the same time, those who are exposed to these types of productions can gain understanding of others' experiences. All these elements enable individuals to begin healing. This is discussed through a review of four case studies involving different types of media projects and communication designs carried out in Sierra Leone in the aftermath of the civil war.