Tag archive for: Lomé

Successful training for radio technicians at Médias Ebène in Lomé

The Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) has just successfully concluded a series of training sessions led by two renowned experts, Christian Gaspoz and Denis Steffen, sent by the Ebène Media Association. These training sessions, which took place from May 7 to 9, 2024, at the HEST premises in Lomé, brought together sixty-nine (69) Christian media professionals from a dozen Christian, state, and even commercial radio stations in Togo.

Christian Gaspoz, an experienced radio engineer, led a workshop on transmitter maintenance methodology, bringing joy, success, and relief to the participants. Despite initial challenges related to varying levels of knowledge, Gaspoz captivated the audience with his dynamic teaching approach. Participants gained a thorough understanding of technical vocabulary and were introduced to the recognition of different functional modules of FM transmitters. In addition, Gaspoz expressed his gratitude for identifying participants with prior experience, paving the way for future collaboration on continuing distance learning.

For his part, Denis Steffen shared his expertise during a workshop focused on the use of digital tools in Christian broadcasting. Over three days, participants were immersed in the fundamentals of Christian communication, incorporating the latest technological advances available in sub-Saharan Africa. Topics ranging from program scheduling to the use of artificial intelligence were covered, giving participants a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in today's media landscape.

The conclusion of the training was marked by the dedication of Denis Steffen's book, "Christian Radio: A Manual for Building in the Digital Sphere," as well as the presentation of certificates to participants. A WhatsApp group was also created to facilitate the sharing of resources and maintain the network of contacts established during the event.

“I remain convinced that the future will reveal the changes brought about by these three days,” said Denis Steffen, reflecting the optimism shared by all participants regarding the lasting impact of this training.

FOMECAF thus continues to play a crucial role in capacity building and professional development for Christian media actors in Africa.

TVT Togolese television news

About the Ebène Media Association

In a spirit of solidarity and shared vision for the future of Christian media in French-speaking Africa, two pioneering associations, Radio Réveil France and Radios Ébène Développement, have merged to form a new entity: Médias Ébène. This strategic union, made official in March 2024, marks a decisive turning point in the development and training of media in French-speaking Africa.

On March 16, 2024, the French association "Radio Réveil," known for its radio content creation, broadcasting, and training programs, adopted new statutes and a new name. A week later, on March 23, "Radios Ébène Développement," which specializes in providing technical equipment and support to radio stations, voted to dissolve and transfer its assets and projects to "Médias Ébène."

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OUAGA 2023, the first of FOMECAF's decentralized seminars

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The FOMECAF leadership is pleased to inform Christian media actors in French-speaking Africa of a decentralized seminar called OUAGA 2023, to be held from October 30 to November 3, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

With the aim of bringing its actions closer to sympathetic countries and supporting work at the national level more effectively, this year the Forum is organizing, in collaboration with Radio Réveil, a decentralized meeting in the capital of Burkina Faso, one of the current theaters of conflict in the subregion.

Under the theme: Media, tools for peace in a world in conflict – OUAGA 2023, this seminar follows on from FOMECAF's fervent desire to equip and empower Christian media actors to play a role in preventing and appeasing conflicts on the continent through their action plan.

Participants at OUAGA 2023 will mainly come from countries neighboring Burkina Faso, the host country. These include Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Togo.

The leaders of the Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa) therefore urge media professionals to continue to make use of the tools already made available to them and still available on the organization's official channels:

Medias Africa:https://medias.africa/tv/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@fomecaf6161
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/fomecaf
All voices at FOMECAF agree in inviting everyone to continue praying and uniting in intention for the success of this meeting.

As for stakeholders in Central and East African countries, they are reminded that seminars are being prepared and that very soon they too will have the opportunity to host the Forum.

Confident that your interest in the various initiatives led by FOMECAF remains strong and renewed, we wish each and every one of you all the best for the future.

See you soon for another uplifting and inspiring reunion!

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Lomé 5: two secular actors crowned with the François Sergy Prize 2023

The Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa (FOMECAF) and the Radio Réveil Association are jointly awarding the 2023 François SERGY Prize to photographer Koudousse Moustapha from Benin and radio promoter Rabiou Hamadou from Niger.

On February 24, FOMECAF officials, in collaboration with the Franco-Swiss Association Radio Réveil, awarded an incentive prize to media specialists for the fourth time on the last day of the Lomé 5 seminar. This year, Koudousse Moustapha from Benin and Rabiou Hamadou from Niger won over the jury. The social impact of the former and the promotion of peace and "living together" by the latter are in line with the theme of the seminar that has just ended in Lomé, as well as the lessons taught by FOMECAF since 2019.

The François Sergy Prize honors participants in the Lomé seminars who have distinguished themselves by putting into practice the lessons learned during the five seminars organized since 2019 in the Togolese capital.

Beninese photographer receives award

Koudousse Moustapaha, a young photojournalist from Benin, runs Kovart Digital School, a photography school founded just one year ago in Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in a photography course in 2017, a media activity that was already his passion. He obtained his certificate of professional qualification (CQM) in 2020. His talent was quickly spotted. Among his assignments, it is worth noting one for the Presidency of Benin, which has placed its trust in him. Koudousse Moustapaha participated in the Lomé 4 seminar and has since distinguished himself through the quality of his work. Armed with the knowledge he gained, he started "Kovart Digital School" a few weeks later, a project involved in social action. This school is located in a disadvantaged neighborhood.

A radio personality from Maradi

Rabiou Hamadou is the second recipient of the François Sergy Award. A Nigerian national, he is the promoter of Radio Nagarta in Maradi, Niger. His editorial line gives a voice to the entire social, cultural, and religious mosaic that populates this region in the east of his country, which is plagued by instability due to armed jihadist groups not far away. "I dedicate this award to all the victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war and their families," he said as he received his award. It did not escape this media sleuth that the award was presented to him exactly one year after the outbreak of war in Europe. (c)

About the François Sergy Prize

The François Sergy Prize was established in 2019. In conjunction with FOMECAF, it pays tribute to a particularly deserving media activity, in memory of journalist François Sergy, a contributor to Radio Réveil who has since passed away and who was himself of African origin. In 2019, Dodji Juliette Kpessou received the award for her series of columns "O2Vie." Jean-Luc Simbilyabo from the DRC was honored in 2020 for his contributions in Ituri (eastern Congo). In 2021, Abdoualye Cissé was honored for his work and perseverance in Timbuktu (Mali).

More information about the other recipients of the François Sergy Award:

About FOMECAF

Since 2019, the Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa (FOMECAF) has brought together the signatories of the " the Lomé Declaration ," which brings together actors from the religious media in French-speaking Africa once a year.

More information about FOMECAF.

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The Lomé 5 meetings: an assessment with Illia Djadi and Emmanuel Ziehli

Encouraging journalists, presenters, and technicians working for Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa is the aim of the Lomé meetings. From February 20 to 24, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, traveled to Lomé to take part in the fifth edition of this seminar. The theme was: "Media: tools for peace in a world in conflict." A review of this event can be found in "Un R d'Actu" on RADIO R.

On Tuesday, March 7, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, and Illia Djadi, analyst for the NGO Open Doors, reviewed the fifth edition of the Lomé meetings organized by FOMECAF (Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa).

This year, these networking and continuing education meetings, aimed in particular at journalists, presenters, and directors of religious radio stations in French-speaking Africa, addressed the theme: "Media: tools for peace in a world in conflict."

Illia Djadi was the keynote speaker. He encouraged the 70 or so participants to use radio as a tool to promote coexistence and give everyone a voice on Christian radio stations, including representatives of the Muslim community. (c)

Listen to the program "Un R d'Actu" with Illia Djadi (Open Doors), Emmanuel Ziehli (Radio Réveil), Abdoulaye Cissé (Mali), and Alphonse Teyabé (Cameroon).

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LOME 5: MEDIA AS TOOLS FOR PEACE IN A WORLD IN CONFLICT

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More than 70 Christian media professionals from French-speaking Africa will gather at the OCDI in Lomé from February 20 to 24, 2023, with the aim of strengthening their capacities and exchanging ideas within the framework of the Forum des Medias Chrétiens d'Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF). Illia Djadi, journalist and human rights defender, will be the keynote speaker at this fifth edition, which will focus on the theme "Media: Tools for Peace in a World in Conflict." Under the patronage of the Ministry of Communication and Media, its minister, Professor Akodah Ayewouadan, will be the guest of honor at the opening ceremony.

FOMECAF is meeting for the fifth time in the Togolese capital. More than 70 participants from nearly 15 countries are expected to attend this important gathering of Christian media from French-speaking Africa. In addition, after two editions organized despite the Covid pandemic
, this edition marks the return of four practical workshops led by distinguished international guests: Joël Pelet, Director of Canal Alpha television in Switzerland; Christian Gaspoz, Director of Radios Ébène Développement in Paris; Denis Steffen, radio consultant and member of the board of directors of Radio Réveil, and Pierre-Yves Mutrux, project manager for the international organization Galcom in Canada. The Swiss association Radio Réveil is co-organizing the event for the last time and is represented by its president, Emmanuel Ziehli. This edition marks the end of a transition process, with the future now belonging exclusively to African leaders.

Illia DJADI, keynote speaker for this edition

In a world shaken by repeated conflicts that disrupt the economy and life in nations, Illia DJADI, drawing on his experience as an analyst, will provide his peers with insights into the issue of conflict on the continent and the tools needed to intervene in the context of peacekeeping.
He will find the best words to help the journalists participating in this meeting understand how to be "tools of peace" when peace is threatened in their coverage area. Throughout his presentation, he will return to the issues of conflict in Africa and around the world; radio and social media as possible weapons of mass destruction; and what could be the
contribution of the media in conflict prevention...

Appointed keynote speaker, Illia DJADI is responsible for issues of religious freedom and belief in Sub-Saharan Africa on behalf of the international NGO Open Doors. Illia is an expert in this field and speaks in the media and at international forums to raise awareness about the rise of religious extremism in Africa and the dangers threatening "living together" on the continent. Originally from Niger, he lives in London, where he has been actively involved in the development of FOMECAF for several years.

Lomé 5 in plenary sessions and workshops

Lomé is once again in plenary-workshop format. The plenary sessions, which will be held every morning, will be moments of great edification with experienced speakers who are well-equipped on the subject. Accustomed to seminars and fully involved in establishing media convergence in Africa, the various leaders will, one after the other over five days, develop topics that will help equip participants to become true actors in easing tensions on the continent.
The return of practical workshops in the afternoons will also bring added value to participants. Four workshops are offered to participants, including "Sound in the Studio" by Pierre-Yves Mutrux, "Filmed Radio" by Joël Pelet, and "FM Transmitter" by Christian Gaspot.

Internet broadcasting and leadership

The plenary sessions and workshops of Lomé 5 will be broadcast live and then recorded on FOMECAF's various channels, particularly Facebook and YouTube.

The leaders of FOMECAF will work on issues concerning the new direction to be taken by the organization. These five meetings are one of the major activities of Lomé 5 (c).

About FOMECAF

FOMECAF was founded in Lomé in 2019 on the sidelines of media training seminars.
It brings together around 50 religious media actors in French-speaking Africa.

Its leadership consists of:

1. Dr. Abdoualye Sangho, Trans World Radio (TWR), Ivory Coast
2. Dr. Etienne Kiemdé, Radio Évangile et Développement, Burkina Faso
3. Illia Djadi, Open Doors London
4. Olivia Beugre, Radio la Voix de l’Espérance, Ivory Coast
5. Juliette Kpessou, Radio Hosanna, Benin
6. Rev. Timothée Amegan, Mediaafrique media training, Togo
7. Dr. Alphonse Teyabé, media consultant, Cameroon
8. Benjamin Holl, Radio Vie Nouvelle, Cameroon
9. Dr. Augustin Ahoga, theologian and sociologist, Benin
10. Blaise Gaïtou, National Director of JEM, Niger
11. Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion, Togo
12. Mawuena Abotschi, Permanent Secretary in Lomé, Togo

The names in bold make up the executive committee. Two international players are joining us for the last time this year:

13. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Radio Réveil, France
14. Henriette Saindon, Secretary of Africa by Radio, South Africa

Download the press release 

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Lomé 2 preparation team

#lomé2, let's go!

The Radio Réveil Association, in partnership with the International Christian Center for Study, Research, and Information (CICERI) and Radios Ebène et Développement, is pleased to announce the second edition of the Training Seminar for Christian Radio Stations in French-speaking Africa, which will take place from November 25 to 29, 2019, in Lomé, Togo.

Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio Réveil, was in Lomé (Togo), as well as in Cotonou and Porto-Novo (Benin) at the beginning of June to organize this second seminar focused on the strategic and operational aspects of the effective functioning of Christian radio stations.

A full radio

Following the first seminar in January, which focused mainly on operational issues, it became clear that there was an urgent need to also address radio station managers (pastors and promoters) in order, among other things, to develop with them a vision of programming oriented toward an incarnate gospel rather than a preached one: a form of holistic radio that cares for the body, soul, and spirit.

The strategic vision will take the form of think tanks (integral radio, epidemic prevention, counseling, practical information, etc.), workshops on financial management according to biblical principles, and discussions on the creation of a Federation of French-speaking Christian Media in Africa. The operational focus will offer workshops dedicated to web radio/radio over IP, journalism, sound, technology (studio), marketing, and much more.

Keynote speakers

During his various meetings, Emmanuel revealed the names of several of the expected speakers:
Dr. Alphonse Teyabe from Radio Salaaman in Cameroon,
Dr. Paul Zagré from JEMED in Niger,
Dr. Paolo Jean Bedogni from Radios Ebène Développement,
Pastor Franck Jeanneret and journalist Serge Carrel from Switzerland.

The director of Radio Réveil also met with participants at the first seminar to gather their feedback. Listen to Clément from Radio Providence in Lomé:

and Samuel Atitsio, pastor and director of Radio La Grâce in Lomé:

Announcement of "Lomé 2" on Didier Amen's Radio Hosanna (Protestant Methodist) in Porto-Novo, Benin:

 

With the participation of theHigh Authority for Audiovisual and Communication of Togo.

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Togolese television

Togolese authorities welcome radio training initiative

In Lomé, the seminar made headlines in several media outlets, with representatives of the relevant Togolese authorities praising the initiative behind this training program.

For a week, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio Réveil, Serge Carrel, journalist and trainer, Andrea Luzi, technician, Christian Gaspoz from Radio Ébène et Développement, and Professor Alphonse Teyabe shared their knowledge with a demanding and enthusiastic audience. Each day, workshops devoted to the practical aspects of radio and journalism alternated with plenary sessions opening the debate on issues such as the contribution of evangelical radio stations to the mission or journalistic ethics.

Organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the Radio Réveil association, the meeting was set up in partnership with the International Christian Center for Study, Research, and Information (CICERI) in Lomé and the Radio Ébène et Développement association in France.

On TVT (Togolese Television) in Lomé

 

 

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Lomé Seminar 2019

French-speaking Africa: around 100 evangelical radio broadcasters sign the Lomé Declaration

From January 14 to 18, more than 100 people involved in evangelical radio stations in French-speaking Africa took part in a training seminar in Lomé. On this occasion, participants signed a declaration aimed at promoting relations between evangelical radio stations. They immediately created a Facebook page and discussed the creation of an evangelical press agency and a Federation of Evangelical Media in French-speaking Africa.

Reprint of Serge Carrel's article published on January 21, 2019, on lafree.info

On Friday, January 18, in Lomé, journalists, presenters, promoters, and technicians from more than thirty evangelical radio stations in French-speaking Africa signed a document entitled "The Lomé Declaration."

A Facebook group to encourage collaboration

This document decides on the creation of an electronic group to encourage personal and professional exchanges between participants in the Training Seminar for Evangelical Radio Stations in French-speaking Africa, held from January 14 to 18 in Lomé at the initiative of Radio Réveil (Switzerland). This declaration also raises the possibility of creating a website for the exchange of radio content and an African, evangelical, and French-speaking press agency in the future. Finally, the Lomé Declaration proposes the creation of a Federation of Evangelical Media in French-speaking Africa.

For Alphonse Teyabe, a Cameroonian author of a doctoral thesis on "Church and Media: The Contribution of Evangelical Radio Stations to Mission" and an influential speaker in the field of training, "this declaration aims above all to encourage different radio stations to come together and form a team. It is imperative that we work together to overcome the various obstacles that stand in our way: lack of professionalism, difficulty in promoting holistic radio programs or those marked by integral mission." The founder of several radio stations in northern Cameroon also welcomes the idea of the future creation of a federation of evangelical media in French-speaking Africa, which was accepted without opposition by the participants.

Encouraging a new attitude among radio stations

"This meeting helped break down barriers between evangelical radio stations," adds Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio Réveil and organizer of the meeting. Another concern of ours is the generation gap between people born in the 1960s and 1970s and young people who do not identify with older leaders. Our goal is to encourage the emergence of new leaders who can communicate the faith to the younger generation."

Emmanuel Ziehli is planning to organize a second edition of this seminar. It could take place next January in Lomé. "With the population of French-speaking Africa doubling every 25 years, the time has come to pass on the baton," concludes Emmanuel Ziehli. "It is no longer up to the 'little Swiss' or the French to produce programs for Africa, but up to Africans to take up this challenge. Radio Réveil wishes to contribute by promoting training on the ground."

Radio stations from 9 countries

From January 14 to 18, Radio Réveil, a producer of evangelical radio programs for the entire French-speaking world based in Bevaix, Switzerland, organized a training seminar for Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa in Lomé, Togo, to mark its 70th anniversary. This seminar was organized in partnership with the International Christian Center for Study, Research, and Information (CICERI) in Lomé and Radios Ebène et Développement in France. More than a hundred people involved or interested in radio production from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Niger, Senegal, and Togo participated.

Serge Carrel

Download " The Lomé Declaration " published on the occasion of the Training Seminar for Christian Radio Stations in French-speaking Africa.

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Radio Réveil Seminar in Lomé

More than 100 participants at the seminar organized by Radio Réveil in Lomé

From January 14 to 18, 2019, Radio Réveil is organizing a training seminar for Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa in Lomé, Togo.

From January 14 to 18, Serge Carrel, Alphonse Teyabé, Andrea Luzi, and Emmanuel Ziehli from Radio Réveil, along with Christian Gaspoz from Radio Ebène et Développement, shared their knowledge of radio techniques, journalism, and electronic media with around 100 participants from ten West African countries. This is a great opportunity for Radio Réveil to forge new links with its partner radio stations and meet new ones.

Read the article published on January 14, 2019, in TOGO BREAKING NEWS

Some pictures

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Lomé Monument

Radio training seminar in Lomé

From January 14 to 18, 2019, Radio Réveil is organizing a training seminar for Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa in Lomé, Togo.

Thanks to the support of various foundations, the Radio Réveil association is organizing a week of technical, journalistic, and marketing knowledge transfer and exchange for representatives of its partner radio stations and other interested radio stations.

More info

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