Association for disAbility and Development

Sharing stories, building communities-People’s Foundation

Title: Sharing stories, building communities
Location: Recreation Hall, NNCB Community Service Centre, Alikilegefaanu Magu
Description: DIGITAL STORYTELLING: An example of Arts and Culture for Civil Society Strengthening (ACCiSS)
Start Time: 20:30
Date: 2008-08-10
End Time: 22:00

The invitation to Founder Members of ADD came from Ming Yu of People’s Foundation to join them in learning how Digital Storytelling is one way of using creativity, arts and culture as a tool for strengthening civil society and encouraging increased participation and expression, especially by marginalized and vulnerable communities.

This is a small, informal gathering of local artists/cultural practitioners, Maldivian NGOs and international organizations working directly with communities. The event is in English.

The event will be presented by Lauren Williams, a film curator and community arts worker, who is visiting from Australia.

Lauren will explain the philosophy, methodology and process of Digital Storytelling as well as show examples of Digital Stories (3-5 minutes each) about youth facing social issues, refugees, cultural identity, mental health, living with disability, community isolation and loneliness. The stories are:

• Mohamed Ahmed - Dreams of My Own (refugee issues, youth)
• David Thurleigh - The Little Frenchman (community isolation and loneliness)
• Tim Kanoa - Life and Learning (cultural identity and youth facing social issues)
• Nikki Blout - Scary Hair Mummy (living with a diagnosed mental health condition)
• William Dale - Weekends in the Country (living with a hearing impairment)

This evening will also be an opportunity for artists/cultural practitioners, NGOs and international organizations to discuss possibilities for similar projects, which engage creativity for:

1. Personal expression and personal development
2. Community building
3. Public awareness
4. Advocacy
5. Technical skills training

About Digital Storytelling

“Digital Storytelling is a form of personal, heartfelt expression that enables individuals, communities and organizations to reclaim their personal cultures and stories while exploring their artistic creativity. The program provides the opportunity for organizations and communities to have a unique and powerful way to voice their message, while enriching the lives of the individuals who participate.” - The Australian Center for the Moving Image, Digital Storytelling Program.

Digital Storytelling provides opportunities for the community to use visual media in a participatory process which allows them to create and communicate their own stories, lived experiences and histories. It allows ordinary people to tell their stories in their own voice.

PEOPLE’S FOUNDATION is a politically independent, not-for-profit, registered, non-government organization (NGO) working towards a just and inclusive society in Maldives and South Asia.

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