Testimonials

Francis Rolt is a master trainer, program designer, and peacebuilder. He is among those who have created and advanced the whole field of radio and peacebuilding. His work is constantly at the cutting edge, driving innovation and creativity. For many of us in this field, he is a role model and teacher. His global experience enables him to quickly analyze conflicts and identify opportunities to use radio as a peacebuilding tool in any context. Francis has had a significant impact on the work of Search for Common Ground in Nepal. Not only has he provided training to over a hundred media professionals here, he has been instrumental in creating a number of radio shows including the nationally known soap opera, Naya Bato Naya Paila (New Path, New Footprints), which is produced by Antenna Foundation Nepal and Search for Common Ground. He helped to design and launch a franchised talkshow that is currently being produced by 11 FM stations and local production houses around the country. Because of the training that Francis provided, both of these shows have shown proven significant results in communities, mobilizing youth to play a role in the national peace process and creating new relationships between local government officials and citizens from marginalized communities. For anyone who is considering using radio as a tool for building peace, I would recommend Francis without reservation.  For any further information please don’t hesitate to contact me: mshipler@sfcg.org

David Rupiny, Bureau Chief, West Nile, Uganda Radio Network

Francis is a media and peacebuilding consultant par excellence. He introduced me to conflict management and peacebuilding and this opened several doors for me. Francis is a great mentor and coach who keeps an eye on my progress and has a keen sense of the future of media and peacebuilding. Francis is undoubtedly in the premier league of media and peacebuilding experts the world over.

Michael Bosse, Executive Director, Global Equal Access

Excellent training provided to a challenging audience under difficult circumstances. Had significant knock on benefits to not only our trainees but the staff Francis worked with.

Jonathan Marks, Director Critical Distance, former Creative Director of Radio Netherlands Worldwide

I continue to admire Francis' ability to walk the talk and to put practical ideas into action. After working with him in the Netherlands, Francis moved on to assignments in South Africa, Burundi, Nepal, Brussels.... the list of successes continues to grow. He managed to turn around several projects that I knew of through determination and sheer dedication to the long term. Francis is a great team leader, organiser and practitioner. And he does all this with a smile. I'm sure his latest venture will be successful because it fills an important need.

Manisha Aryal, former Executive Director of Antenna Foundation Nepal

His understanding of the role radio can play in conflict transformation is exceptional and his commitment truly inspiring. I'd recommend Francis any day, and highly.

Alvito de Souza, Secretary General, SIGNIS Worldwide

Francis has profound and proven expertise in peace building concepts and practical application. This is complemented with a highly professional grasp of communication practice, especially radio production and broadcast. His ability to adapt to a blend of cultures and different levels of professional capacity allows him to gain the confidence and respect of local stakeholders. He is easy to work with. In my dealings with Francis I have found him to be honest and candid in his professional contribution while retaining the ability to listen , adapt and change. His inputs, advice and even his critique have proven to be not only pertinent but highly effective.