Empowering migrants through training in video production

Video content has become an essential tool for sharing experiences, information, and solutions in the contemporary world. This medium can be an especially powerful means for migrants to connect, inform, and advocate for change. Surveys, interviews and focus groups with migrants in South Africa conducted between 2020 and 2022 as part of our research-practice within the MIDEQ Hub pointed to the potential benefits that training in digital video production could have in empowering migrants, specifically for sharing their life experiences (stories), helping fellow migrants, and shedding light on issues they face. This post describes the creation and implementation of a two-week workshop held at the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town in November 2022 in collaboration with local tech developers. This subsequently formed a model for further workshops in Johannesburg and set in motion many other activities to improve the skills of migrants (see overview of our interventions with migrants in Nepal and South Africa).

The training workshop

The first week of the workshop was theory-based, and the second focused on practical video creation techniques. Its overall aim was to uplift and empower migrant voices while prioritizing safety and security, above all for the most vulnerable people, and also to leveraged open and free resources and video optimization strategies.

Week One: building a foundation and staying safe

The initial phase of the workshop was dedicated to building a strong foundation for digital storytelling while emphasizing the importance of online safety. Participants, from a dozen Sub-Saharan African countries, gathered to learn about the critical aspects of online safety and security., noting that the nuances of digital safety are paramount, especially when sharing personal experiences or sensitive information (see their video THINK).

Participants were guided by experts who shared valuable insights into protecting their online presence while engaging with social media and digital tools. This included strategies for safeguarding our digital presence, including

adopting strong, unique passwords for each online account,
enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible,
staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices
exercising caution when sharing personal information online, and
being wary of phishing attempts and suspicious links.

Protecting our online identities, financial data, and privacy settings, and minimizing the risk of being targeted by hate speech or discrimination were also essential components of the activities. The participants were encouraged to maintain a balance between sharing their experiences and protecting their well-being.

The workshop also took participants on a journey of discovery, introducing them to the potential of digital technologies for entrepreneurship, social mobilization, and community networking (see their video on e-business). Migrants often face unique challenges in their new homes, and digital tools can provide a platform to address these issues effectively. The theoretical sessions aimed to provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to utilize these tools effectively and safely.

Week Two: turning theory into practice while staying safe and leveraging free and Open resources

The second week enabled participants to learn about some of the technical aspects of video creation. They were introduced to techniques that allowed them to create potentially impactful videos without necessarily showing themselves on camera. This was particularly valuable for those who wanted to share their experiences while minimizing the risk of being identified and targeted.

The workshop emphasized the use of free and open software and content that are readily available on the web. Tools such as CapCut were introduced to allow participants to edit, enhance, and produce their own videos without any financial barriers. This made video creation accessible to all regardless of the devices used, although paying for connectivity often remains a challenge for the migrants. From shooting techniques to sound recording, from video editing to lighting, many details were covered so that they could all create their own videos using their smartphones. Nevertheless, more sophisticated devices such as external microphones for sound quality, stabilizers, and extra lightning were also demonstrated during the training to show the difference they can make and how to replicate the same good-quality results without using any such extra equipment. The initial videos produced as training activities showed how good-quality videos can be produced simply and easily, using accessible and free software. This empowerment through knowledge and frugal technology was a cornerstone of the workshop’s philosophy.

This quick reminder by one of the trainers highlights the main skills that the migrants were taught.

Reflections

The importance of good-quality video production

There were three main reasons why we focused on producing good-quality video production in the workshop.

Our commitment to engaging with other organizations: This part of our work aimed to reach out to organizations working with migrants in South Africa, and we hope that the migrants trained through the workshop will go on to make videos for such organizations. High-quality videos are more likely to be shared and promoted by these organizations. A well-produced video captures attention, effectively conveys its message, and aligns with the professionalism expected by these institutions.
Anonymity: Participants learned how to create avatars or use online, free, and readily available materials to anonymize their videos, avoiding the need to show their faces in case of sensitive topics or risk of online harassment.
Cost efficiency: these techniques helped minimize production costs as there was no requirement to constantly shoot new material around the city.

The dual benefit of anonymity and cost efficiency empowered participants to share their stories in high quality video without exposing their identities and without breaking the bank.

The impact and maximizing visibility

The same philosophy applied to the strategies for maximizing the visibility and impact of these videos. Participants were taught how to create captivating thumbnails that would grab viewers’ attention, craft relevant video descriptions to enhance searchability, and use special effects to engage and entice their audiences. Most also implemented a call to action at the end of each video to generate reactions and spark discussions, ensuring their content had a lasting impact.

At the end of the two-week workshop, participants showcased their videos to their peers and mentors. The diversity of topics covered was astounding, ranging from practical advice on navigating South Africa’s bureaucracy to heart-warming personal stories of resilience and triumph. These videos were not just about sharing experiences but also about shedding light on difficult situations and inequalities faced by migrants.

These migrants were able to become advocates for change through their videos. They created videos about organizations that help migrants (such as the Scalabrini Centre), highlighted the challenges faced (see Statelessness), prepared tutorials,and suggested solutions to improve their lives (see Tips for newcomers). They brought attention to the vibrant migrant community in South Africa, fostering greater understanding and empathy among the broader population.

Low-tech production for high and safe impact

This workshop also demonstrated the power of combining digital skills with a desire to share knowledge and experiences safely and effectively. Empowering migrants through video creation enriched their lives and our understanding of the diverse tapestry of human experiences. By leveraging free resources and implementing visibility strategies, this initiative enabled migrants to share their voices and also potentially to reach a wide audience, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and positive change.

This intervention has given voice to a community that often remains unheard. It is a testament to the transformative potential of technology matched with skills development and networking in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and helping them to improve their their lives better.

Finally, have a look at this fun video they created. Do also watch their initial feedback from participating in this workshop provided as part of our commitment to transparent monitoring and evaluation.