Migrants as Messengers is a peer-to-peer messaging campaign by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) where returning migrants share with their communities and families the dangers, trauma, and abuse that many experienced while attempting irregular migration. From smartphones to social media platforms and social networks, returning migrants from Senegal, Guinea, and Nigeria share their stories to generate awareness and provide advice and information on misconceptions about living abroad.
'Migrants as Messengers' group participants sought more information after participation in film screenings and discussions and were provided with communication channels to access online. Information was also provided via telephone, text-messages, social media or regular community meetings. This campaign also incorporated a strong data-collection and analysis component, and events created feedback loops among participants, implementers and evaluators that benefited the project design and implementation.
The first phase of the pilot project, funded by the Dutch government, began in November 2017. A second phase of the awareness campaign project will include an additional four countries in West Africa.