A Local Approach Brings Digital Storytelling To Uganda
In 2017, Common Language Digital Storytelling began a partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Southwestern Uganda and the University of Calgary Department of Indigenous, Local, & Global Health in the Cumming School of Medicine. By working together, they have developed a unique team-based facilitation approach that modernizes culturally appropriate oral storytelling traditions in East Africa to educate communities.
A research paper published in the International Global Health Action Journal, Let all know: insights from a digital storytelling facilitator training in Uganda, explains the collaborative process and evolving outcome of modifying a North American method for digital storytelling facilitation to meet the needs of different cultures and settings.
“In Uganda, DST is primarily conducted by out-of-country facilitators. This study finds that building in-country DST facilitation expertise can enhance the application of DST to community priorities and help overcome logistical challenges, including technology and literacy considerations. Further documentation of DST best practices in different cultures and settings, especially amongst vulnerable groups, will strengthen DST globally.”
- Yan, T., Lang, M., Kyomuhangi, T., Naggayi, B., Kabakyenga, J., William, W., … Brenner, J. L. (2021). Let all know: insights from a digital storytelling facilitator training in Uganda. Global Health Action, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2021.1933786
In this unique team-based approach, each facilitator specializes in a specific phase of the digital storytelling creation process: Finding, Telling, Crafting, Sharing. The mini-documentary, “A Shared Dream”, highlights this unique facilitation method developed to stimulate compelling conversations about global health topics. The digital stories highlighted in this mini-documentary are shared in a community setting to encourage the women and girls of East Africa to pursue their dreams.
To build a sustainable global digital storytelling initiative in Uganda, this project focuses on amplifying local voices and empowering a regional facilitator team with an entrepreneurial mindset. Uganda is one of the first international digital storytelling facilitation projects that CLDST has developed.
