Student Organizers Learn About the Power of Digital Storytelling

By Migwe Kimemia

The AFSC-sponsored ’Pan-African Youth Caucus (PYC) recently organized a Digital Storytelling Workshop at Findlay University in Ohio. Dr. Albert Akyeampong, Assistant Professor at Ohio Northern University and PYC Advisory Committee member, led the workshop. I was really inspired by the student organizers’ energy and enthusiasm to change the narrative about Africa on college campuses in Ohio.

The workshop attracted student organizers from Findlay University and Ohio Northern University. The workshop participants were very excited about the social impact of storytelling.

Students had good things to say about the workshop:

• “I learned what the PYC stands for and how to use story-telling to bring awareness.”
• “I learned about the formation of PYC and what it stands for. I also learned about the art of storytelling and how it can be used to shape African narratives on campus.”
• “I learned the importance of taking charge of the narrative of African people through the use of storytelling and digital storytelling.”
• “Digital storytelling sends a positive message and debunks stereotypes portrayed in the media.”
• “As webmaster of our African Student Association, I can now use digital storytelling as an avenue to shape African narratives on campus.”
• “It teaches me to use my voice and also the opportunities around me to help us grow and reach our goals as African youth.”
• “It gives inspiration for what kind of story you want to leave behind or how you wish to see change.”
• “This workshop helps create a change in my life/community by helping me see that there are others around me who are walking on a similar path, and the idea of “we” is in every one of us and we have each other.”

PYC’s We Dream A World campaign inspires the young people of African descent to stand in solidarity and lift up their collective voices and amplify an authentic narrative about Africa on college campuses in Ohio.