Q&A with LSX Fellow Henry Samson Mafulul on the Transformative Power of Film and Storytelling

What was your inspiration for launching the Jos Film Initiative?

The simple inspiration for launching the Jos Film Initiative (JOFII) came from a deep-seated sense of love and commitment to the youth in my community to do well and come out of poverty. I wanted to create a platform where these young people, especially those from the most underserved communities, could develop their creative skills, earn their livelihood, express their perspectives, and use film as a tool to address social issues, promote human rights, and bring about positive change in their communities. With over 20 years of active practice in the creative/cultural, business, and social enterprise sectors, I believe in the transformative power of film and storytelling and I have witnessed first-hand how film can be a powerful medium for social change. The significant gap in access to quality film and media training and the understanding that film can not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and foster a sense of belonging was also a driving force.

What do you see as the biggest challenges when it comes to early and elementary education in Nigeria?

The biggest challenges in early and elementary education in Nigeria include a lack of adequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and a shortage of trained and motivated teachers. Many schools, especially public schools in rural areas, lack basic amenities such as classrooms, furniture, teaching materials, and technology. Furthermore, the curriculum often does not encourage critical thinking or creativity, focusing instead on routine learning. There is also a significant gap in access to quality education with marginalized and disadvantaged children often being left behind. These challenges are compounded by socio-economic factors, such as poverty and instability, which further hinder educational progress.

How do you support children and youth developing filmmaking and storytelling skills? Why do youth need to tell their own stories?

At JOFII, we support youth in developing filmmaking and storytelling skills through a variety of programs and initiatives. Our workshops provide hands-on training in photography, videography, screenwriting, and other essential skills. We also facilitate apprenticeship programs, allowing young filmmakers to learn from professionals and gain practical experience.

Youth need to tell their own stories because it empowers them to voice their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. By sharing their perspectives, they can raise awareness about issues that affect them, foster understanding and empathy, and contribute to societal change. Storytelling also enhances their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, preparing them for future opportunities and responsibilities.

Through Rock International Film Festival (RIFF), our human rights film festival, we provide a platform for youth to showcase their human rights films, have conversations, and raise awareness on related issues. Through our new program "RIFF Goes to Schools" we are taking the human rights campaign directly to students, integrating film workshops into their curriculum, and establishing human rights clubs.

What have you learned during your fellowship that policymakers need to know?

During my time in the LSX fellowship, I have been inspired more than I have learned; by the dedication and commitment of the LSX team and my fellow fellows to children’s education. This has been a major highlight of this two year journey for me and I learned that I have a lot to learn about children’s education.

The interaction between five different sectors has taught me the importance of perspectives in children’s education. Every sector sees and approaches things differently. Policymakers should understand that collaboration between various stakeholders (educators, community leaders, etc.) is crucial in addressing the complex challenges in education and social development.

From my LSX group project "Building Belonging," I have learned the critical importance of fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within educational and social systems. The challenges children all over the world face are quite similar but yet different, informed by different orientations, expectations, culture, and traditions. Policymakers need to understand that creating environments where individuals feel valued and included significantly impacts their engagement and success. It is essential to prioritize policies that promote equity, provide support for marginalized groups, and encourage diverse perspectives. Furthermore, investing in creative and innovative educational approaches can lead to more holistic and effective learning experiences.

Additionally, the fellowship inspired me to develop a project which I am still working to bring to life: "Building STEAM & Entrepreneurship" is a transformative project designed to bridge the gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM), and entrepreneurship education for children under the age of 15, with a special focus on girls and students with disabilities in schools in Jos, Nigeria. This initiative seeks to create a mobile hub that takes the science of learning directly to these children, fostering a passion for STEAM subjects and entrepreneurial thinking.