Heureuse Danonde
2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: STOP WANTUNTUN!Benin
Heureuse Danonde is the director of communication for the New Type of Citizens Movement (NTC Movement) where she works for freedom of expression, respect of others and a community of peace. She holds a master's degree in language and communication sciences. A journalist, presenter and television host for the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB), Heureuse is also a health communicator, specialist in public management and member of several associations.
IVLP Impact Award Project: STOP WANTUNTUN!
The project motivated digital media actors to create content that strengthens social cohesion, to sensitize the population to the dangers of fake news, to detect and deconstruct fake news related to hate speech, and thus to promote social cohesion through the fight against disinformation in Benin. The project title means "Stop Hate Speech and Misinformation." In the Beninese context, electoral periods are often characterized by hate speech, which sometimes includes manipulations of candidates’ words, the consequence of which is national instability. The project was designed to reduce hate speech and to promote peace during the December 2022 municipal and legislative election cycle. It reached 20 journalists, six bloggers, and five influencers, empowering them to dispel disinformation and provide quality content surrounding the elections.
IVLP Exchange Experience
Heureuse participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists - Media Responsibility in Age of Disinformation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with Global Minnesota, Columbia Council for Internationals, Global Ties Alabama and World Partnerships, Inc.
U.S. Communities Visited Virtually
Huntsville, AL; Washington, DC; Tampa, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Columbia, SC