Amizade presents: COVID-19: Response around the world

If you’ve been following along with Amizade this year, you probably know by now that we’ve gone virtual: we’ve got our new virtual service-learning platform and programs. But being in the virtual world doesn’t always mean being on Zoom all day. We’ve been exploring other ways to connect students and other members of our network with what’s happening out in the world, and one of those ways is through video documentaries!

Let’s start at the beginning of the story. Our friends at Ohio University were looking for a creative way to engage with their students by sharing global perspectives on a couple of important current issues. They were impressed with the quality of Amizade’s past videos and our connections in different communities, so they approached us with a project idea.

Our first project? Highlighting the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on communities around the world. It’s always true with Amizade’s work, and this time was no different: our site directors and community partners played a huge role in this documentary. They shared their perspectives and they got personal, providing our audience not only with a look at how their communities responded to the virus but also sharing their individual hopes and needs.

The entire production came together remotely. Interviewees filmed in their own interviews, and US-based Amizade staff members provided voiceovers and edited drafts from home. The result is an informative and moving look at the ways communities all over the world have faced the pandemic.

After successfully debuting this documentary in classes at Ohio University during the fall semester, we’re now incredibly proud to present this new type of collaboration to our broader network. You can watch COVID-19: Response around the world here:

This was the first production of its kind in the history of the organization, but definitely not the last! Amizade is open to more — what topic would you want us to tackle next? If you’ve got an idea in mind, reach out and we can start planning.