Digital Stories: Poverty and Hunger

What is a digital story focused on a global issue?

Digital storytelling is a form of digital media production that enables anyone to share aspects of a global issue or their story. The media used can be almost anything, including video, audio, still photographs, or podcasts. Digital stories can utilize any form of digital media that the author chooses to use. Students work in teams to research a topic that is of global significance. Together they storyboard their production to include the most critical aspects of the story they desire to tell. The story must be compelling and emotionally-engaging. They usually take the form of a relatively short story, usually 5-8 minutes. There is no limit to what the authors of these digital stories can imagine and produce. This virtual group project allows for students to research, learn, and share information in a unique and engaging way.

Now, how do I make this project authentic?

10 percent of the world’s population is living in poverty and is food insecure. In some cases, having a job does not guarantee a decent living.  Globally, one out of five children live in extreme poverty.

The root cause of hunger is not a lack of food in the world. Currently, enough food is being produced to feed everyone on the planet. Yet according to the US Food and Agriculture Organization, hunger, food insecurity, chronic undernourishment, and outright malnutrition persist. How is it possible that over 800 million people are starving in a world where there is enough to feed everyone?

The causes of hunger can be broadly described as economic in nature; that is, poverty is a root cause of hunger. These causes can be divided into man-made poverty and naturally occurring poverty. Examples of man made poverty include war and conflict, governmental disorganization or corruption, and economic policies that suppress individual sufficiency. Examples of naturally occurring poverty include inhospitable climate and geography for food production and trade, as well as natural disasters such as drought or earthquake.

Expressing an understanding and awareness of poverty and hunger through the art of digital storytelling enables students to view a global issue through an authentic lens.

Here is an example.