To build trust between the Somali government and citizens, the Somalia Stability Fund (SSF) worked with SMDC to increase communications between government and Somali citizens. Under the contract, SMDC’s role is to help improve Somali government communications efforts, increase its visibility and find creative ways to communicate with and listen to Somali citizens.

This strategic communications support was also aimed at increasing collaboration and trust between different levels of government, particularly between the federal government, Federal Member States (FMS) and district administrations e.g. by supporting and encouraging different levels of government to engage on common platforms, whether through a radio interview or a launch event.

SMDC produced and disseminated a radio and TV show called Qaran (Nation in Somali) which went out live on Star FM Somalia and Star Television Network (STN TV) where listeners and viewers call in and contribute via the telephone numbers 0616000555 (calls) and 411 (SMS).

In the final segment of every episode, the presenter read SMS feedback from audience members.

Both the radio and TV talk-shows were repeated on Star FM and STN TV respectively for maximum impact.

SMDC, among other things, also provided hands-on training, communications support and advice to the government institutions on the ground in Somalia.

Prior to undertaking the strategic communications support effort, SMDC carried out a thorough comprehensive map of current communications capacity-building work being implemented at the federal, FMS and district levels.

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