Voices is multimedia education and awareness project. Currently, we are working to develop two projects and are actively supporting the implementation of a third locally developed project. The aim of this initiative is to personalize events that are often reduced to abstractions and statistics in order to encourage Canadians to identify with those individuals whose lives have been affected by conflict. By sharing individual stories, the hope is to increase awareness about past and current conflicts and how they affect the lives of people around the world. With each story, we hope to communicate stories from a wide range of individuals, from different geographical locations, different times periods, different experiences and conflicts. We hope that this project will encourage viewers to engage in dialogue about the issues faced by those who have lived or are currently living amidst conflict and become active in advocating change.

The Voices of Sudan

The Voices of Sudan is based on a collection of stories from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sudan and Chad. This project focuses exclusively on bringing the stories of individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan to life. In 2004 and 2005, Sgt. Debbie Bodkin traveled to both Chad and Sudan respectively to interview over one thousand individuals living in IDP camps. Since her return, Debbie has been looking for a means to share the stories she collected from the camps with a larger audience. In collaboration with Stand Canada, this photo exhibition will highlight 12-16 different interviews from the conflict in Darfur and will be ready for display by early 2009.

If you have any further questions or you are interested in supporting this project, please contact Caroline Cormier at caroline.cormier@educationforchange.ca.

Canadian Voices of Conflict

The Canadian Voices of Conflict focuses on a collection of stories whom have been affected by conflict who are now living in Canada. These stories give insight into the diversity of experiences individuals may go through in the face of conflict, while facilitating understanding regarding the struggles they continue to face here in Canada. This project is still in its preliminary stages; however, we hope to archive and share these stories in an interactive format that complements our workshop curriculum.

Currently, we are seeking individuals who are willing to share their stories. If you are interested in participating or would like more information regarding this project, please contact Sara Hylton at sara.hylton@educationforchange.ca.

Living with Land Mines

Living with Land Mines is a photo exhibit that consists of 16 life-size portraits of Cambodian children who have suffered the effects of land mines. Photographed by Toronto-based V. Tony Hauser, the show was produced in collaboration with the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, president of the University of Winnipeg. The objective of the exhibit is to confront young viewers with the devastating consequences of land mines around the world. In the coming months, Education for Change will be working to develop a workshop about land mines to complement this exhibition.

For more information and photos of the exhibit, please visit Tony Hauser’s website.