Why Northern Nigeria Needs Media Literacy for Peace
By John Coster A message arrives in a community WhatsApp group warning of an attack. A photograph is shared as proof, but nobody knows when or where it was taken. Within minutes, people may be frightened, angry or ready to pass the warning on. The message might be an honest mistake. It might also have …
My Voice On Radio: Amplifying Community Voices Across Borders
The My Voice On Radio (MVOR) project celebrates the enduring power of radio to connect people, nurture creativity, and strengthen communities. Organised by John Coster, Founder of the Parallel Lives Network, this new initiative brings together young people and women from India, the UK, and across the global network through a series of linked events …
Visit to Northern Nigeria’s Premier International Film Festival
Thanks to the 8th Kaduna International Film Festival KADIFF team for making the S24 Television Film Production Unit so welcome. The 8th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), held from 26 to 30 August 2025 in Kaduna, Nigeria, offered a substantive platform for film practitioners and cultural commentators to explore cinema’s role in social transformation. The …
Driving Sustainable Change in Global Health: A Rewarding Session with MSc Students
Today was an inspiring session on the Leading Sustainable Change in Global Health module as part of the MSc Global Health programme at De Montfort University. As guest speakers, Tina Barton and I were delighted to witness the students innovative and insightful infographic tools designed to drive change in diverse global health contexts. Their creativity …
Spotlight: Nkoyo Lynn Majebi – Global Health Practitioner
In this Series on the Parallel Lives Network website, I showcase the work of individuals that engage with us from across the global south. I’m delighted to be highlighting the research of Nkoyo Lynn Majebi from Nigeria. Nkoyo Lynn Majebi is an academic and researcher whose contributions to global health are having a profound impact …
Reportage Club: Snehalaya UK at 10 Years
An insightful in-conversation last night for the final Reportage Club event of 2024 to celebrate Snehalaya UK 10th year. I was joined by Snehalaya secretary Priti Bhombe & Snehalaya UK CEO Joyce Connolly to discuss the last decade and opportunities moving forward to share its journey. Snehalaya in India was founded in 1989 by Girish …
PAVE Conference 2024
Today was the 2024 PAVE Conference at De Montfort University. It’s good to be back on campus talking directly to students. For the first time this year, as well as promoting volunteering opportunities to students with various members of our network in Leicester and overseas, we invited our friends from Snehalaya UK to join us. …
COP29: Train The Trainer Programme
The United Nations SDG 16 Impact Hub at DMU is hosting a dynamic and creative programme of engagement activities linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) up to and including COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: 11th– 22nd November 2024. The Parallel Lives Network is delivering a number of engagement activities to compliment the wider programme. Our …