The project proposes a unique program to teach and encourage the youth from Bugisu who were affected by the landslides to innovatively use social media to share their culture and call for actions for social change through citizen media training workshops. The project’s ultimate goal is to create a vibrant network of the new generation who use citizen media to share information and celebrate the impact of #TweepsHelpBududa as a successful example.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Bududa district, Eastern Uganda
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
The project is targeting the new generation among the Bagisu people who were seriously affected by the landslides in 2012. Following the disaster, tweeps such as @maureenagena @eristaus organized a sensational social media campaign on twitter to fundraise and it was so successful that the youth in the region are enthusiastic to learn more about twitter. Some of my relatives were affected by the landslide and I am passionate about social media.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The project intends to generate news items such as updates/monitor on the mudslides/landslides as an early warning system, the situation of the displaced people, what people can do to help, sharing more about the history of the Lumasaba dialect and the “Imbalu” ritual, and other community news/stories/photos/commentaries. They will be generated by the youth themselves and shared online on blogs, twitter, facebook and Google+.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Other tools
Laptop, Digital Cameras
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
I have strong working relationship with the Mbale and Bududa District Local Governments having worked in Mbale a few years back. Bududa is my home village. This relationship will provide me with all the connections through the administrative structures that I may need to ensure success of the project. I also intend to encourage them share more with all the tweeps behind #TweepsHelpBududa to grow their inspiration.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
The project intends to train at least 30 participants. To seek and sustain their participation, the project intends to enlist the youth mostly from the villages that have been affected by landslides in the past and empower them to share their opinions online. The project will then build an online network of the participants to continue mentoring them and motivating them to share their experiences.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
The project would further greatly benefit from Rising Voices the following; – technical guidance, sharing materials/publications on best practices on citizen media training, linkages with other organizations/funders/volunteers, and any other planned activities to support successful project implementation.
Contact name
Masake Anthony