Sierra Leone
Search has worked in Sierra Leone for almost two decades and is a leader in media and community outreach. Talking Drum Studio – Sierra Leone (TDS-SL) has acquired the necessary skills, expertise, resources and connections to allow it to continue pursuing our mission. Consequently, in January 2021, we have scaled down 50% of our activities in Sierra Leone and transferred responsibility to TDS-SL. By December 2021, we will formally close our operations in Sierra Leone. Our Regional Team will provide six months of external “Ask We Do” support to the new team in fundraising and donor intel until June 2022.
World rankings
#1 is most peaceful, equal, and democratic
PEACE
#43out of 163 countries
GENDER EQUALITY
#145out of 155 countries
DEMOCRACY
#111out of 167 countries
A radio for all people: the past and future of Talking Drum Studio in Sierra Leone
Created by Search for Common Ground, Talking Drum Studio is a radio production house that aired talk shows, dramas, and news programs inspiring people to find shared solutions to the conflict. At the height of the war, it provided unbiased information to communities all across the country and gave a voice to everyone — including combatants and rebels.
Today, Talking Drum Studio is still one of the most popular radio production houses in Sierra Leone. This year, it is becoming an independent entity, and will continue providing invaluable information and inspiration to millions of people.
Latest projects
Strengthening Transparency and Accountability for Mining Communities
Despite the large diamond deposits in Kono and Moyamba districts, these resources’ mismanagement has contributed to perpetuating inequality and poverty. Although the government has taken bold steps to regulate the mining sector, populations still fear the loss of productive agricultural land with little compensation, limited community development, and few alternative livelihood options…
Empowering women to be effective political actors
Women are under-represented in politics at both the national and local levels. Although they constitute half of the population, women and girls, particularly in rural areas, continue to be excluded from governance, political life, and decision making processes…
