Mrs. Hafsa Hadj Boulenouar
Algerian Ministry of National Education
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, 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 Social 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 student’s 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, 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, Mahmoudi, and Boumediene, deeply concerned about environmental issues, selected SDG 13: Climate Action, addressing the urgent problem of climate change. Tchouar and Ameri, inspired by their love for education, focused on SDG 4: Quality Education, advocating for better resources and access to education. Malak, envisioning a more sustainable urban future, worked on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Fatima, passionate about public health, concentrated on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, exploring healthcare challenges in her community. Finally, Saidi, 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 and the U.S. Department of State for making this remarkable program possible. Their commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration is not only commendable but essential for nurturing a generation of global citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of our interconnected world. Thank you for your support and vision in empowering young minds through the art of storytelling!
iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change virtual program is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
