Storytelling for Social Change
Connecting U.S Students to the Middle East and North Africa
iEARN-USA is one of 15 nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and schools to receive funding to run virtual exchange programs that connect young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change builds global leaders by engaging Algerian, Tunisian, and American youth in global collaboration to tell stories about real world issues in their local communities.
Better Communication Through Storytelling
Storytelling for Social Change is implemented by iEARN-USA and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change draws on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to explore the transformative power of storytelling. High school-aged youth from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States collaborate with international peers through a 7-week virtual exchange as they choose a local or global issue inspired by the SDGs and examine their personal connections to it. Participants learn a range of storytelling, communication, and technical skills through media analysis and hands-on audiovisual assignments. By developing a deeper understanding of global issues from different social and cultural perspectives, participants ultimately create a more equitable society and become active global citizens.
Why is Virtual Exchange Important?
- Life-Changing Opportunities – Students gain experiences that can shape their future and broaden their perspectives from their classroom.
- New Connections – Students meet and form connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.
- Global Understanding – Students expand their worldviews and understanding of global issues.
About Storytelling for Social Change
This program focuses on the power of storytelling to create social change, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Who Can Join: High School classes from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States
- Duration: 7-week virtual exchange program
- Activities:
- Weekly Live Synchronous Classes – Each week students will participate in a live class with international peers. They will get to know each other, provide feedback, and support each other with project work.
- Project Work – Students choose a local issue, explore their connections to it, and learn from their international peers. Each week they will have project work that culminates in a short video.
Program Goals
- Develop Skills: Students enhance their skills in storytelling, communication, and technical abilities.
- Global Awareness: Students gain a deeper understanding of global issues from different cultural perspectives.
- Active Citizenship: The program aims to create a more equitable society by empowering students to become active global citizens.
Program Timeline
- Fall 2024 – October – November
- Spring 2025 – January – March
We are now enrolling high school classes to participate in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 cohorts! Enroll today to secure your spot in our upcoming cohorts!
Program Impact
- 1,500 students: By June 2025, 1,500 students will have participated in the program.
- 3 countries: Storytelling for Social Change is implemented in the United States, Algeria, and Tunisia, fostering a diverse learning environment that brings together students from different cultural backgrounds.
- 42 hours of educational content: Each cohort engages with 10.5 hours of educational content designed to equip students with new knowledge and skills.
Testimonials from Our Teacher Training Sessions (Algeria, Tunisia, and USA)
The training was so important and fruitful. I enjoyed being among an amazing and professional team. I got a clearer idea and understood what the project was about. I also lived experiences that the students will go through and could expect their feelings, reactions… I definitely enjoyed working in pairs and within a great ambitious team. Thank you very much for allowing us this precious opportunity and hope we will do a great job together.
The training was sincerely highly inspirational, motivating, & most of all full of humour. We’re grateful to you all & a big thank you for the professional trainers and for the promising trainees.
The training was great. I enjoyed learning actively and sharing with team members . I’m sure that our students will enjoy it too.
FAQ
Who can participate?
The program is open to any U.S. high school classes. Preference is for schools that are located in the Eastern or Central time zones.
How long is the program?
The program is seven weeks long.Â
What are the school commitments?
Schools must commit to:
-
- Recruiting at least 25 students
- Dedicate 1 – 1.5 hours of class time to the program each week
- Provide 1:1 technology for participating students
- Participate in educator training sessions
- Support students with completing assignments
- Meet with the project facilitator at least three times during the exchange
Is there a cost?
This is a fully-funded program. Selected schools do not pay to participate.Â
How are the live sessions organized?
Students will join a total of 6 live sessions. The sessions focus on breakout rooms, where students have the opportunity to connect in a small group setting. Each session is led by a trained and experienced facilitator.
Our Partners
The Stevens Initiative
The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption.
T-EARN Bizerta
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
iEARN Algeria
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Inquiry - Storytelling for Social Change
"*" indicates required fields