After the Lugufu Refugee Camp Digital Arts Program

Erik here. I am so happy to post Isack's latest blog. Get ready to be wowed. Here is what has happened. We went to Kigoma last year and taught students to make films. Isack took it upon himself to keep his education going. He then came to Dar es Salaam and assisted us in the workshop. He and Salley ran the second program in Kigoma a month ago. Finally, they took the computers and equipment to a Congolese refugee camp (Lugufu, near Kigoma) and taught students all on their own. Quite something. Here is Isack:

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Dear friends,

We are very sorry because we didn’t put information about our workshop because of the internet. We have finished the training and every thing going well according to our action plan. We taught them how to use computers, typing, and how to make movies. All participants made their own movies about different issues that face them and other people in their community.

I’m very happy to finish this workshop. Now my dream is coming true. I remember it was in 2007 when Erik, Andy, James and Gabriel come to teach us how to make movies. I was very happy to be one of the participants of the workshop because through the workshop now I can make movies about any issues and show it to the community. Since when I get the knowledge I have been teaching friends how to use digital cameras, to record video through flip cameras and to make movies. I was dreaming that one day I will be teaching young people how to make movies. I’m very happy because now I’m doing that to my community and other friends like Refugees.

Some children come and ask me many questions. These children ask me how to make movies, how to download pictures from digital cameras to the computer, and more. Some said “sorry brother, is this a video player?” I told them no this is a computer but it is looks like a video player. I like the question because if someone asks you a question it means that she/he wants to know about what she/he is asking for. What you’re supposed to do is educate and help them. As I was sitting with the kids after the training, some of them called me brother.

The Lugufu Refugees camp workshop was the best work I’ve done. During the training some parents came and asked me some questions. I liked all their questions. After the training we came together to make an action plan with them, but I faced a challenge. They told me that in September this year (2008) all refugees will go back to Congo. But when they will be in Congo they will start Roots & Shoots. Also they will produce movies about different issues so as to educate people. So how I can help them? I think I can talk with Erik, Andy Charles and Jody to see how we can help them when they will be back to their motherland.

The last day at Lugufu Refugees Camp was a good day because some students wanted to show the movies to their parents and other members of groups and to find which movie is the best among of other movie. On my side it was bad because I was thinking how I’m going to miss my friends in Lugufu Refugees Camp. It was a difficult time for me and my fellow teachers. I believe that one day I will see them if not at the camp it will be in Congo. After the lunch we met together to make an action plan. Every member contributed his/her views on how we can reach many people in short time and how we can teach other people in order to expand Digital Arts Alliance in the community.

After the meeting we went to the classroom to meet with parents and UNHCR and FPCT Fida members. We gave them an introduction about Digital Arts Alliance and we got question from them. Some asked me “why we are teaching young people to make movies?” I told them we believe that the future of coming generation is in the hand of young people so if we will use them we will make changes to the parents and other members of the community. Children are source of changes if their parents and other member of community will accept the advice given by young people through their movies. Soon we can make changes so everyone should play the role.

After many questions, students started to give introductions about the movies that they made. Then the parents started to watch. After that I asked the parents about the movies made by the students. “Dear parents and leaders from different institutes, thanks for joining with us today this is a last day for us to be here. You just watched the movies that the students made. Is it true that all this issues from our movie is found in our community?’ They said, “Yes all is true. All has happened.” I asked,

“Sorry, do you think that it is better to make changes?” They said, “Yes it is.”

That was the end of our workshop at Lugufu Refugees camp. Thanks to all people who send emails to give us congratulation. Thanks very much I’m proud for your effort, and on my side I want to say thanks to all the Pearson Foundation team, Mr. President Mark Nieker and all staffs. Also I want to say thanks for all people who support Pearson Foundation by any means, Giving funds, advice and all people who planned Digital Arts Alliance program for youth. We like it, and we are proud for you support. Thanks. Together we are going to make a world better place for people to live.