ELT@lgeria
Our Network for Educators
Storytelling For Change Program
Empowering Change Through Storytelling
“I’m a high school student, participating in a virtual storytelling program for social change. Essentially, it is geared towards fostering societal change and cultural exchange to support sustainable development goals. Throughout the program, we learn essential skills in storytelling and video editing while exchanging cultural insights. Completing weekly assignments and editing final videos qualifies you as an alumna. This program has been an incredible learning experience for me. I have developed skills like narrative writing, video editing, photography, and communication. Additionally, I have enhanced my English language proficiency, exchanged ideas, and learned to respect others’ opinions. I have gained valuable cultural insights into Tunisian, American, and even Algerian cultures from different regions. Overall, I highly recommend anyone with the opportunity to participate in such programs. They provide an enriching experience, teaching valuable lessons, fostering skill development, and facilitating connections with people worldwide.
In conclusion, my journey through the storytelling for Social Change program has been nothing short of transformative. From honing technical skills to broadening cultural horizons and fostering global connections, the experience has left an indelible mark on me. As I reflect on the lessons learned and the connections forged, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable support and guidance provided by Stevens Initiative, iEARN USA, and iEARN Algeria. Their dedication to empowering youth and promoting cross-cultural understanding has been instrumental in making this program a success. I urge others to seize similar chances for personal growth and societal impact. Together, let us continue to share stories, bridge cultures, and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar : Empowering Voices Through Storytelling
My name is Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar, a secondary school English language teacher from Algeria, and this is my story of participating in the iEARN Storytelling for Social Change program.
I first came across this opportunity through a post by ELT Algeria Network, calling for teachers from the western region of Algeria. As a passionate educator and firm believer in the power of international exchanges, I applied immediately, excited about the chance to connect my students with the global community.
The program began with an engaging two-day, in-person training session led by iEARN Algeria’s Country Coordinator, K. Mezough, and Project Facilitator, M. Louznadji. Alongside nine other teachers from across the region, we were introduced to the program’s objectives and activities. Their leadership provided us with a clear vision of the program’s goals, and I felt both prepared and motivated to embark on this unique educational journey. We were also equipped with essential tools such as agendas, pens, T-shirts, and USB drives to ensure smooth access to the virtual resources, as internet connectivity is often a challenge.
After returning to my city, I was determined to provide my students with the same enriching experience. I selected 10 highly motivated students, prioritizing those with access to a phone or laptop and an internet connection, since the course was conducted virtually. These students displayed exceptional dedication, and it was a pleasure to guide them through the program.
The Storytelling for Change virtual exchange spanned seven weeks, from October 2, 2023, to November 13, 2023. The 14-hour course included a combination of instructor-led Zoom meetings and asynchronous activities on the iEARN Collaboration Centre platform. Each week introduced a new theme, ranging from the art of storytelling and global goals to visual storytelling, story development, and video production.
Through this program, both my students and I deepened our understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learned to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and explored how storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change.
We met virtually each Friday on Zoom and stayed connected through a WhatsApp group I created for ongoing support. Despite the lack of a library or meeting space at our school, we overcame these challenges by gathering on Tuesday afternoons for face-to-face discussions and brainstorming sessions. I witnessed firsthand how my students’ speaking, writing, and leadership skills flourished. Not only did they learn to use tools like Zoom, but they also discovered how to leverage the internet for educational purposes. Most importantly, they learned to tolerate differences, respecting diverse perspectives, and realized that they could truly be agents of change within their communities.
Each student connected their personal passions and concerns to a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), creating a meaningful link between local challenges and global objectives. Yebdri Zineb, driven by her passion for women’s rights, focused on SDG 5: Gender Equality, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities for girls in Algeria. Boudghene Stambouli Sarra, Mahmoudi Marwa Chahd, and Boumediene Amina, deeply concerned about environmental issues, selected SDG 13: Climate Action, addressing the urgent problem of climate change. Tchouar Hind and Ameri Imene, inspired by their love for education, focused on SDG 4: Quality Education, advocating for better resources and access to education. Malak Boumechta, envisioning a more sustainable urban future, worked on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Fatima Nesrine Elghazi, passionate about public health, concentrated on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, exploring healthcare challenges in her community. Finally, Saidi Montassir Billah, driven by the need for economic growth, focused on SDG 8:
Decent Work and Economic Growth, aiming to create better job opportunities and economic stability. Unfortunately, one student had to withdraw from the course due to health issues, but the remaining students continued with determination, each making meaningful contributions.
Together, they identified local challenges, aligned them with the global SDGs, and proposed solutions through their projects. By the end of the course, these students not only produced impressive storytelling videos but also gained confidence in their English language skills, cultural competence, and leadership potential.
The program culminated in an in-person showcase, where the students proudly presented their SDG projects to an audience of teachers, parents, school administrators, and community members. It was a moment of immense pride—not just for me, but for the students who represented our school and Algeria on a global stage.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the iEARN Storytelling for Social Change program to both educators and students. This program provides a rare and invaluable opportunity for intercultural exchange, particularly within Algeria’s public education sector, where such initiatives are scarce and desperately needed.
My only suggestion for future iterations would be to explore possibilities for in-person exchanges, as I firmly believe that face-to-face interactions would further enrich the experience and deepen connections among participants.This program has profoundly inspired my students to dream bigger, act locally, and think globally. It has also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of storytelling to create lasting social change.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Stevens Initiative, iEARN USA and iEARNAlgeria for making this remarkable program possible!
My Experience with iEARN Algeria: A Journey of Growth and Change. By Benoudina Rayene
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My name is Benoudina Rayane, and I am an English teacher at Mili Said Secondary School, located in Séraidi, Annaba. Throughout my career, I have been deeply interested in exchange programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for my students to enhance their English language skills. It is in this context that I would like to share my experience with the Storytelling for Social Change program, organized by iEARN Algeria.
The journey began when I came across an article on Facebook posted by my colleague, Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar, a participant in Cohort 1 representing the city of Tlemcen. Intrigued by the initiative, I decided to apply. To my surprise, despite being a novice teacher with only two years of experience, I was selected to participate as the youngest teacher in the program.
On September 14th, I attended the in-person training session in Annaba, alongside nine other teachers representing various regions of Eastern Algeria. During this session, we had the privilege of meeting the project facilitator, Mr. Louznadji Mustafa, and the country coordinator, Mrs. Kheira Mezough, who provided us with a comprehensive overview of the program. Their clear and insightful explanations helped us grasp the objectives and scope of the initiative, sparking excitement among all the participants.
Selecting 16 students for the program was not a difficult task, as my students in all classes displayed a strong interest and enthusiasm for the project. After the initial selection, we organized several meetings and workshops in the school library. During these sessions, I introduced my students to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guided them in video editing techniques using tools like DataShow presentations and images.
What amazed me the most was the level of motivation and maturity demonstrated by my students. Their ideas were innovative, and their enthusiasm for the project was noticeable. The creativity and collaborative spirit they had surpassed my expectations, and the experience turned out to be as much a learning opportunity for me as it was for them.
We had the chance to represent Algeria in a series of synchronous meetings held every Tuesday, alongside students and educators from the United States and Tunisia . This provided a valuable opportunity for discussions on Algeria’s rich traditions, lifestyle, and historical landmarks, which significantly broadened my students’ global perspectives.
On November 12th, we had the honor of showcasing our work, with my students’ videos being shared and receiving warm appreciation from all the participating educators. I felt an immense sense of pride as I witnessed the culmination of my efforts reflected in the videos produced by my students who addressed important issues such as pollution, poverty, education, and the promotion of good health and well-being.
For me, the Storytelling for Social Change program was a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills and to witness the power of teamwork and knowledge exchange. Moreover, it allowed my students to practise their English outside the classroom setting and engage in meaningful discussions about global issues.
In conclusion, participating in this program was a transformative experience for both my students and myself. It reinforced the importance of providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real contexts while fostering a spirit of collaboration and social responsibility. I am grateful to iEARN Algeria for organizing such inspiring initiative, which has had a lasting impact on my teaching approach and my students’ learning journey as well.
My Magical Story With iEARN - By Ouafa Boukoucha
