DigiTale - Digital storytelling with Syrian refugees
A group of refugees who had recently moved to Chester-Le-Street were keen to gain new skills and learn English. Digital Voice applied for funding from the ESF to work with them in a Digital Storytelling project.
The project was rooted in arts-based learning and aimed:
To enhance English language proficiency through creativity, expressing opinions, constructing narratives and writing for an audience
To develop and strengthen IT skills using software that combines text, still images, audio, video and other media.
To strengthen media literacy and information finding skills.
To stimulate teamwork and integration by organising an event and using social media to connect with a local audience
Participants chose to tell their own stories through text, drawings, photos, animation, audio and video. They used iPads and recording equipment to bring their stories to life. Story ideas can come from many sources such as personal and family experiences, connections to other cultures, people, places or events.
”I left home because of the war. It was a bad dream, for me and my family. We became refugees. This road was long and hard until we arrived in this country. Here we have new dreams for a better future...”
”My children are happy and doing well at school. I have hope again.”
An event was organised by the groups, to showcase their films. They cooked lots of delicious Syrian dishes and other delicacies. The event was really well attended by their families, the wider community and Durham County Council staff, who were wowed by all of their efforts.
Participants had the opportunity to tell their stories while enhancing their digital and communication skills, particularly the English language. Producing and showcasing their digital stories develops many employability skills.