Kuyu Project: Digital Literacy for Congolese refugees in Uganda

1 to 4 March 2012, the Project kuyu [in], in association with Xavier Project [en], organized a camp of digital literacy in Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda. Approximately 70 were trained Congolese refugees on using social media and other digital tools to tell their stories and achieve their goals.

Kuyu Project is an initiative of digital literacy to teach young Africans how to fully utilize social media and other digital tools to share their stories and achieve their goals and objectives.

Digital Project Camp Xavier - Kampala, Uganda. March 2012. Image courtesy of Project kuyu.

Here's a detailed report [on] the digital camp kuyu blog. Some excerpts:

For many people who still have not had access to technology, this is a blind spot for them. Is unknown, do not appreciate and perhaps even dislike. What we did for these people in Nsambya, by making first find out what they believe and guiding beliefs informing them that what they want for them is feasible through the use of social media, was linked, indirectly, their core beliefs with the blind spot concerned, technology, to make it more pleasant for them.

To see photos of the workshops click here and below you'll find a digital video camp:

Interview:

Eduardo Avila Rising Voices recently spoke with Simeon Oriko [in], founder and CEO of Project kuyu, about the camp. Here's a short version of the conversation:

AD: Could you talk about the different workshops with youth and adults? Why do separate workshops? Do they have different goals?

SO: We decided to separate the two workshops, mainly for the way we structure the workshops. A key element in our camps is the purpose digital or person's primary goal. We use this as a basis to provide an understanding of social media and its applicability in achieving them.

The goals, ambitions and goals differ greatly between age groups as social media skills to use them. The overall theme of the workshop can be similar, but given other factors such as levels of literacy and general exposure to technology, no need to classify the target audience.

EA: Any specific story you'd like to tell about some of the discoveries made ​​by the youth? Any core belief emerged a little more clearly as a result of training?

SO: One thing we teach in our camps is the value of digital technology, that gives them an opportunity and a framework for understanding social media and other digital tools. This mentality has led to a number of participants in our camps digital to believe in the creative process as opposed to consumption. By creating, in essence are shaping their realities and possibly the other way that is relevant and meaningful - and that is a strong belief in my opinion.

EA: And for more logistical matters: how you make sure that youth and adults continue after completing the training?

Simeon Oriko

SO: We try as much as possible of them followed the participants for each camp we handle digital. We try and partner with local groups and institutions to continue the work we started. We also encourage participants to go online and use social media and other digital tools it is the only way to build confidence in using these tools.

Another thing is that we focus on mentoring and we are working virtually through the major social media platforms. Normally, we encourage participants in a camp that we accept as friends on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and have labels on each to help where we can in the way. This model has proven largely successful. Now we are adding the lessons we have learned so that we can formalize this process.

EA: What sets the project kuyu these societies (eg, Project Xavier)?

SO: To be honest, we received many emails and tweets with orders to repeat what we do in other areas. We received these orders from the civil society, government and ordinary people who identify with our mission. Many of our societies emerge from these orders.

One reason why we seek is our focus. I mentioned earlier. Before teaching about the tools themselves, we give students a framework for understanding them. Our support after the camps in the form of virtual tutoring and local capacity building, is something that our former partners have counted as an asset.

Camp Digital Project by Project kuyu Xavier.

EA: What do you think are the most important qualities for a trainer or workshop leader with respect to train beginners in the use of citizen media?

SO: The ability to inspire with a humble nature allows patient - it takes something critical when dealing with beginners. I think they are important because a large amount of work involves building confidence in using the web and that in itself comes with challenges such as fear, low literacy levels and the like.

EA: Is there anything else you want to add about your experience to teach others?

SO: Yes. We realized internally that we can not visit all children in all schools and teach in person.

This has led us to develop some tools that will be available for free via the web and hopefully through the phones.

You can follow the project in their accounts of Twitter and Facebook .

Posted by Rezwan · Translated by Gabriela Garcia Calderon Orbe · View original post [en] · Comments (0)
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