By Kimiya Missaghi
The traditional methods of knowledge dissemination in forced migration research, while valuable, often fail to reach populations that are outside of scholarly or policy-oriented circles. To address this gap, innovative approaches such as video games and children’s books have emerged, offering novel ways of sharing information and powerful tools for building empathy and driving social action. This reflection critically analyzes the potential of these untraditional forms of knowledge dissemination, arguing that they can foster a deeper understanding and contribute to tangible impacts from research into forced migration. Additionally, it explores how forced migration research can inform and enhance these methods, ensuring their effectiveness and authenticity.
Video Games to Build Empathy: Gamification of the Refugee Experience
The immersive and interactive nature of video games makes them an effective tool for empathy-building in forced migration research. Unlike passive forms of media, video games engage players actively, requiring them to make decisions and face consequences within the game’s narrative. This interactivity can lead to a more profound understanding of the refugee experience, as the player experiences a simulated journey and virtual reality. The video game “Salaam” stands out as an example of how gamification can bridge the gap between virtual experiences and real-world impacts. Players navigate a virtual displacement journey that mirrors the harrowing realities faced by refugees. This immersive experience allows players to gain a sense of the challenges people face when running for safety. In-app purchases within the game translate to actual financial support for refugees, such as providing food and water (World Economic Forum, 2020). This model not only raises awareness but also mobilizes resources, demonstrating that video games can be a powerful medium for both education and humanitarian action. By engaging players emotionally and financially, “Salaam” exemplifies how video games can transcend passive entertainment to become tools for empathy and tangible impact.
Reflecting on this game, I am inspired by the potential of video games to create meaningful change and build empathy for displaced communities. The ability of “Salaam” to emotionally connect players with real-world issues and to enable players to contribute financially highlights the transformative power of interactive media. This approach resonates with my values of advancing a positive discourse on forced migration within diverse communities. It underscores the crucial role of innovative and empathetic tools in effectively addressing complex social issues.
Lual Mayen, the creator of the “Salaam” game, is a South Sudanese refugee himself. Mayen developed the game, serving as an empowering example of a creator emerging from the community he aims to help. His work underscores the importance of recognizing the firsthand experiences and leadership of refugees in forced migration, challenging power dynamics whereby refugees are subjects for data extraction or symbols of tokenization.
As a PhD student researching forced migration and gender, I see the significant influence that our research can have on the design and content of such interactive games. Methods like ethnography, life histories, fieldwork, participatory action research, and narrative analysis can provide accurate accounts and detailed insights into refugee experiences. Grounding video game content in real-life stories ensures that the depicted experiences are authentic, avoids stereotypes, and promotes trauma-informed design (Gee, 2003). This collaboration educates wider communities and respects the lived experiences of refugees.
Children’s and Young Adult Books on the Refugee Experience
Children’s and young adult books offer another untraditional yet potent form of knowledge dissemination. With an opportunity to co-produce such stories with the leadership of authors and illustrators who have experienced forced migration, children’s books can serve a dual purpose: educating young readers about the realities of forced migration while also fostering empathy and understanding for groups outside of an academic circle. The argument here is that literature can play a crucial role in shaping the perspectives of future generations, making them more compassionate and informed about global issues (Nikolajeva, 2014).
Children’s books like “Refugee” by Alan Gratz and “The Journey” by Francesca Sanna provide compelling narratives that draw young readers into the lives of displaced children and their families. These stories humanize the abstract concept of forced migration, presenting it through relatable characters and engaging plots. By seeing the world through the eyes of refugee children, young readers can develop a deeper emotional connection to their experiences (Sipe, 2008).
Forced migration research conducted under ethics board approval helps ensure that data related to personal narratives and cultural insights is gathered ethically, safely, and respectfully. This ethical oversight safeguards the dignity and rights of the individuals whose stories are shared. By integrating these ethically sourced, real-life stories and nuanced insights into engaging narratives, we can enrich the literary landscape. These stories can ensure that children’s books accurately portray the diverse backgrounds and experiences of refugees, enriching the narrative and fostering a deeper understanding among young readers (Short, 2012).
Reflecting on the intersection of children’s and young adult literature with the refugee experience, I am struck by the profound potential these narratives hold for social change. My studies in forced migration and feminist studies have underscored the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy. Co-producing books with authors who have firsthand experience of forced migration not only lends authenticity to these stories but also elevates the voices of those directly impacted. This approach can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and public consciousness, reaching young readers in a uniquely impactful way. As I consider the power of literature, I am interested in the possibility of nurturing a generation that is more informed and, perhaps consequently, more compassionate. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to fostering a more empathetic and less xenophobic society.
In Closing…
Forced migration research plays a critical role in shaping and enhancing these untraditional forms of dissemination. By providing accurate data, authentic stories, and nuanced cultural insights, research can inform and improve the design and content of video games and children’s books. Furthermore, researchers can empower refugee voices, ensure ethical representation, and create impactful multimedia and community-engaged dissemination strategies.
Untraditional forms of knowledge dissemination such as video games and children’s books not only offer innovative ways to share information, but also have the potential to build empathy and drive tangible impacts in forced migration research. These methods engage diverse audiences outside of academia, fostering a wider understanding of the refugee experience and mobilizing support for displaced individuals.
Embracing untraditional forms of knowledge dissemination in forced migration research has profoundly influenced my perspective on how we share and communicate critical issues. The Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN) Fieldwork Training and Cross-Cultural Research Course has been instrumental in shaping this understanding. Working at the intersection of academia and practical application, video games and children’s books are two mediums that transcend traditional methods of dissemination, reaching audiences who might not engage with scholarly articles or reports. By integrating authentic stories and cultural insights from my research, I am interested in how innovative approaches can humanize the refugee experience and foster a deep sense of empathy and understanding. This course reinforced my commitment to amplifying refugee voices and ensuring that their narratives drive meaningful and lasting change. As we push the boundaries of knowledge dissemination, I aim to enhance its accessibility to diverse populations, both within and outside academia.
Author bio
Kimiya Missaghi is a PhD student at the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa, where she researches forced migration and gender among Afghan refugees in transit. She also leads UX research at PeaceGeeks, focusing on developing digital tools that enhance connection, peace, and safety for displaced individuals.
References
Gee, J. P. (2003). What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy. Palgrave Macmillan.
Nikolajeva, M. (2014). Reading for Learning: Cognitive Approaches to Children’s Literature. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Short, K. G. (2012). Story as World Making. Language Arts, 90(1), 9-17.
Sipe, L. R. (2008). Storytime: Young Children’s Literary Understanding in the Classroom. Teachers College Press.
World Economic Forum. (2020). This video game lets you step inside the shoes of a refugee. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/can-a-video-game-save-a-life-african-refugee-puts-players-in-his-race-for-survival/