Organization for Minority Rights Advocate (OMRA), in partnership with UNSOM and UNICEF, organized a three-day training on media education and digital storytelling for marginalized groups in Dhusamareb, Galmudug State, from September 29 to October 1, 2024. This initiative was part of ongoing efforts to empower underrepresented communities by providing them with the necessary skills to engage in media literacy and digital communication. The primary goal of the training was to bridge the knowledge gap in media education while offering practical tools for storytelling through digital platforms. The targeted participants were youth, women, and other marginalized groups who often face challenges in accessing resources to amplify their voices and share their unique stories with a broader audience.
The training attracted 25 participants (11 men and 14 women), representing marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and minority groups. The facilitator was a media professional and expert in digital content creation, with extensive experience in community development and participatory storytelling. The training program combined theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring that participants not only learned the key concepts of media literacy but also gained hands-on experience in producing digital content.
Key topics covered included media ethics, the role of media in society, and the critical evaluation of information sources—essential tools for combating misinformation and fostering informed communities. Alongside media education, a large portion of the training focused on digital storytelling techniques. Participants were introduced to various digital tools, such as smartphone applications and editing software, which they used to create and edit audio-visual content. They were taught how to craft compelling narratives based on personal experiences, challenges, and aspirations, with practical lessons in storyboarding, scripting, video recording, and editing. These skills were framed as powerful tools to raise awareness about local issues, promote social cohesion, and advocate for positive social change.
A unique aspect of the training was its emphasis on digital storytelling as a means to preserve cultural heritage. Participants shared personal stories, traditional folklore, and local histories, which were transformed into digital formats. This not only helped them document their cultural heritage but also allowed them to share these narratives with a global audience through online platforms. The collaborative structure of the training encouraged group work, with participants producing their own digital stories by the end of the program. These projects ranged from personal testimonies about life in marginalized communities to more comprehensive narratives about the socio-political context of Galmudug.
Ethical considerations were also a critical focus, particularly when documenting stories of human rights abuses and gender-based violence (GBV). Participants learned how to handle sensitive subjects with care, ensuring that survivors’ identities were protected, dignity was maintained, and retraumatization was avoided. The sessions highlighted the importance of informed consent, accuracy, and balancing advocacy with respectful representation of vulnerable individuals and communities.
One of the key outcomes of the training was the empowerment of participants to become more active in the media landscape. Many reported feeling excluded from digital media spaces before the training due to a lack of skills and resources. By the end of the sessions, however, they expressed increased confidence in creating content and sharing their perspectives. The training also facilitated networking between participants and local media organizations, opening doors for future collaborations and media projects that could continue to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in Dhusamareb.
In conclusion, the media education and digital storytelling training in Dhusamareb marked a significant step toward promoting inclusivity in media production and empowering marginalized communities. By equipping participants with the skills to critically engage with media and tell their own stories, the program laid the foundation for a more informed and expressive community. To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, it is recommended that similar trainings be held regularly, with ongoing support for the production and dissemination of participants’ digital content. This would continue to provide marginalized groups with platforms to share their stories, advocate for their rights, and contribute to positive societal change in Galmudug State.