MaM distinguishes itself in its migrant-centred participatory approach to awareness raising, supporting returnee migrants in the design, planning and implementation of the process.
After five years of implementation in West Africa, here are some key takeaways and lessons learned for future migration awareness raising campaign programming:
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Practice makes perfect, it takes time and regular engagement to develop capacity.
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Mainstream MHPSS and create space for discussions on mental health. The psychosocial well-being of the Volunteers is crucial. What they have endured is not easy and being able to recount what they experienced to others takes time, preparation and accompaniment.
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Partnerships and networking are key for sustainability of the Volunteer network. Creating visibility and networking opportunities for the Volunteers and the MaM approach can support its continuation.
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Co-creation and participatory activities create space for dialogue on migration. If messages are to impact a community, its members need to be part of the solution.
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Leverage local cultures and traditions. Using local languages and traditions ensures that messaging and activities are appropriate for participating communities. For example, community dialogue activities were called different names in each country: Bantabas in The Gambia, Migrant Room in Nigeria and Causeries in Senegal.
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People need a concrete action to take. Increasing knowledge about risks and dangers needs to be combined with information about safe alternatives to irregular migration and a clear action people can take to access information.
To use some of the community engagement tools used in MaM, head to Yenna.org for step by step instructions and learning resources on the following:
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Street Art Together Toolkit
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Journalist Toolkit
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Social Theatre Toolkit
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E-learning on Mental Health and Migration Awareness Raising
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And much more!
The Migrants as Messengers Volunteers have left a lasting imprint of shared learning and experience in West Africa. In years to come, the MaM legacy will continue as the approach continues to be implemented and as Volunteer-led associations take the torch to raise awareness about migration and support returnee migrants in their communities.