Community Voices Revisited: Exploring the Long-Term Social Impacts of Participatory Storytelling

This project revisits a participatory storytelling project conducted in 1994-95 in Lalitpur, Nepal. Originally designed to explore community-driven social change, the project engaged youth in Gujibahal and Nagbahal using photography, drama, and film to address gender discrimination and substance abuse. Short-term evaluations in 1995 indicated increased self-confidence among participants and recognition of their role in driving community change. In 2023, Professor Brown reconnected with former participants to assess the long-term impact, culminating in a reunion and workshop. Discussions explored whether the project had lasting positive or negative effects.

This new research is currently being collated and analysed, so that reflection can be made against the original project aim from nearly 30 years before. The intention remains to contribute to knowledge and understanding about the Participatory Development Communication (Storytelling) Process, with evidence that points to long-term social impact. Publication of findings is planned in Visual Studies Journal.