Sheeko Wadaag: Empowering Communities through Information and Action

In Baidoa, Somalia, internally displaced persons (IDP) sites such as Hafate, Balanbalshe, and Abodimow are home to hundreds of families fleeing conflict and climate disasters. Residents in these sites struggle against overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the ever-present threat of disease. Amid these challenges, a powerful initiative has emerged to offer hope and practical solutions: Sheeko Wadaag, a community radio programme that informs, educates, and empowers displaced families. 

Sheeko Wadaag, which translates to “storytelling” in Somali, is designed by the community and for the community; it cultivates a culture of participation, where the community actively shapes humanitarian actions, leading to positive transformations in their lives and addressing their needs and preferences. The programme disseminates lifesaving information focused on relevant humanitarian issues, events, and stories through radio broadcasting. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia is implementing Sheeko Wadaag in Baidoa, where poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water have left many vulnerable to preventable diseases, especially children and the elderly. The rainy season brings a heightened risk of cholera outbreaks, and inadequate waste management only worsens health crises. Recognizing the critical need for information, Sheeko Wadaag broadcasts sessions that provide practical guidance on hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention — this is life-saving knowledge for those living in these fragile environments. 

At Hafate IDP site, where sanitation was once a serious concern, Sheeko Wadaag’s broadcasts had a profound impact. Halimo, a mother of three, regularly listened to sessions on handwashing and waste management. Before tuning in, her family often fell ill due to poor hygiene practices. However, by implementing what she learned, Halimo transformed her family’s health. She encouraged her children to wash their hands regularly, particularly before meals and after using the latrine, significantly reducing illness in her household. 

Inspired by the results, Halimo became a community advocate for hygiene. She organized a general cleaning day at Hafate, rallying other mothers to clean their surroundings and properly dispose of waste. The effort, supported by Sheeko Wadaag’s citizen journalists, sparked a broader movement within the site, leading to noticeable improvements in public health and community cohesion. 

Similarly, at Balanbalshe IDP site, the threat of cholera during the rainy season weighed heavily on residents. Fadumo, a mother of four, attended a Sheeko Wadaag session focused on cholera prevention. She learned the importance of boiling water, maintaining cleanliness, and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms of cholera. Taking this knowledge to heart, Fadumo implemented strict hygiene measures in her household and organized a community cleaning initiative, which further reduced the risk of cholera in her area. Her leadership, coupled with Sheeko Wadaag’s guidance, helped the community prevent a potential outbreak, underscoring the power of timely information and collective action. 

Beyond health and sanitation, Sheeko Wadaag’s impact extended to innovative approaches to waste management. Ruqiyo Adan, another resident of Balanbalshe, discovered through the radio programme how discarded fruit seeds could be repurposed to grow food. By planting seeds from watermelons and other fruits, she was able to provide fresh produce for her family, turning waste into nourishment. This simple but transformative lesson contributed to improved food security during the rainy season. 

In Abodimow IDP site, the Sheeko Wadaag team remained dedicated to driving change. Over time, through narrowcasting sessions and community outreach, they helped reinforce the importance of handwashing and basic hygiene. Market vendors started washing their hands after handling produce, children adopted the habit after school, and households embraced cleanliness as an essential daily practice. Sharifo Mad Yarow, a community leader, played a pivotal role in organizing a general cleaning day, further fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility over site sanitation. 

Across all these sites, Sheeko Wadaag’s approach has been consistent: empower residents with knowledge, support them with resources, and collaborate with community leaders to drive change. As a result of the outreach and awareness raising sessions, the adoption of better hygiene practices has led to a reduction in waterborne diseases, improved food security, and a stronger sense of community resilience. 

The Sheeko Wadaag innovative initiative was introduced by the Community Engagement and Accountability Task Force as part of the Somalia National Community Engagement and Accountability Strategy and Action Plan 2022 – 2024. Following the broadcasting sessions at designated listening stops, a consultation period allows community members to share their voices, feedback, concerns, and suggestions directly with frontline humanitarian workers and citizen journalists recruited locally during in-person consultations. The programme enables humanitarian actors to inform the community by offering alternative information that may not be available through state-owned or privately owned stations, while also creating an inclusive environment for dialogue and cohesion, where community members feel heard and valued. 

By informing, guiding, and uniting displaced families, Sheeko Wadaag has become more than just a radio programme; it is a catalyst for sustainable, community-led transformation. As more families across Baidoa’s IDP sites embrace these life-saving practices, the initiative continues to pave the way toward healthier futures for displaced communities in Somalia.