On 0ctober 16th to October 18th, Hope Raisers initiative in collaboration with Nairobi Metropolitan service, Loughborough University, Nairobi County, Safer Nairobi City Initiative and Landskapslaget organized a 3 days digital storytelling workshop at The Luke Hotel Nairobi that brought together community leaders and Nairobi county government officials on developing stories and dialogue around climate adaptation and climate change.
The aim of the workshop was to engage and build the capacity of community leaders in articulating and expressing their views on issues around climate change and climate adaptation. The session provided an avenue for the county government to respond to the community concerns and demonstrate the role of the government in cautioning community on effects of climate change.
"We cannot continue to destroy our nature simply because of profits, it is important that we engage with duty bearers in the city to find better solution in protecting our environment for." Sentiment shared by Karen Achieng, participant and women community leader from Korogocho.
Participants were introduced to the concept of storytelling, the story circle, script writing, audio/video recording and editing. During the session, participant was tasked with the responsibility to reflect on their personal experience around the four elements of water, air, fire and soil. The four elements formed the basis of developing the digital stories and discussion on climate change and climate adaptation that the participants identified with.
The workshop brought together about 25 participants including 20 community leaders (Teachers, women leaders, representative from religious institutions, youth leaders, community activists and minority were represented) and the Nairobi metropolitan service environment department. A short film of the session will be available on the Hope Raisers YouTube page soon.
By Daniel Onyango- Director Hope Raisers Initiative
Daniel Onyango is a community activist and performing artist, founder and Director of art youth led organization Hope Raisers Initiative. He is mentor focusing on creating social transformation among underprivileged children and youth through arts, music, and sports in his community.