Thulile

Being raised by a grandparent isn’t always easy for a teenage girl. Without her mother around to talk to, Thulile felt hopeless. Her studies were suffering, and she was having arguments with friends. When Thulile’s grandmother gave her some crucial advice, she realized that all she had to do was listen. Her story depicts how a grandmother’s support and love can be enough for a child to thrive.

Key points to consider in viewing Thulile’s story

Factors such as a lack of employment opportunity and HIV and AIDS mean that many children grow up without the presence of a mother or father. Consider the challenges mentioned by Thulile in the story, as well as other hardships that girls in her situation face. Use the story as a tool for exploring how adults other than parents can be a source of support for adolescents in their communities.

Learn More

Sonke works with many communities to use storytelling and digital media to help people tell their own stories around gender, violence, HIV and AIDS and related issues.

Sonke partnered with Silence Speaks to enable young people and adults affected by violence and HIV and AIDS to share their stories. Other digital stories have been produced with former prisoners who experienced sexual violence in jail. And the MenEngage African Youth Alliance and Sonke partnered with UNFPA to produce “Youth Stories of Change” along with a discussion guide and other resources.

Through intensive, participatory video production workshops, Sonke is bringing rarely-heard voices and images into the civic arena. Our hope is that by highlighting everyday stories, we will deepen existing conversations about gender norms and health issues, as well as empower the storytellers and their communities.

Download Resources

Click here to download a facilitator’s guide, discussion guides and other Digital Stories resources to assist in the use of these tools in your community.