A guest blog post by Katie, student at the International School of Tanganyika, Tanzania

Stories have been part of human life since the beginning of time. Today, more than ever, we interact with them daily through the posts and videos we scroll past for hours each day. Yet we rarely stop to ask, why? Why do stories matter?

Most of us recognize it for its entertainment purpose. However, what we often miss is its underlying power that lies in how they make us feel, think, and understand others. If so much of our time is spent scrolling, consuming them - what might change if we paused to tell stories with intention?

I have lived in Tanzania for years, knowing very little about the community that I lived in. When I first encountered Docathon, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wanted to tell a story about gender inequality in Tanzania, but I did not know where to begin. I realized to begin that journey, I had to step into someone else’s world and create a story that carries authenticity, and courage. Docathon became the platform to show me how. From that single story, my goal as an artist and my reason for telling stories have been reshaped. 

Here are some of my key takeaways from my Docathon experience.

1. Storytelling teaches the importance of listening

I thought I understood gender inequality in Tanzania, but listening to Leonadina’s lived experience transformed it from an issue into a human reality. Although that listening was not always comfortable, that discomfort became part of my responsibility as a storyteller to honour her truth with care and integrity. After the interview, I felt unsettled but inspired.

When stories are grounded in lived experience, audiences see not a political point, but a human reality. The most powerful stories are told with authenticity and courage; stories that share fears, truths, and the process of overcoming challenges. It is this emotional connection that engages people, moves them, and often motivates meaningful action.

2. Storytelling invites us to reflect on meaning 

Any story told with the right technique or tone can be powerful, but purposeful storytelling requires us to reach into our most honest selves and let lived experience guide the work.

For me, this became real in the editing process. I returned home with hours of footage and had to shape a woman’s life, struggles, and strength into a six-minute film. Purposeful storytelling meant deciding what to leave out as much as what to include- knowing each cut would shape how her story was understood.

So as a purposeful storyteller, every creative choice we make- how we structure a plot, shape a storyline, or present our story to others- requires introspection, thought, and emotional courage. These decisions determine whether a story simply exists on a screen or reaches beyond it and says, Listen. This matters.

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Watch Katie’s video on how she drew meaning from telling a story. 

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3. Storytelling is a powerful tool for action

After submitting my film, I watched the Docathon screening in Kenya from my home in Tanzania. Since then, my film has been shown as far away as Monaco and the Philippines, and I have gone on to organise a Docathon after-school club and run a Docathon East Africa film festival, bringing together purposeful storytellers from across the world!

My film was shared with students, educators, and communities around the world, sparking conversations around the world on female empowerment.

I was only 17, and I never knew I was capable of telling stories that could make such a difference.This was when I realised that my art intersects with advocacy, and that my voice could make a difference. 

Through Docathon, storytelling is not just a tool for creativity. It is a tool for action.

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Final thoughts:

When us students are engaged to tell our stories, we begin to see ourselves not just as learners, but as contributors. In my case, I gained confidence, agency, and a sense of responsibility to respond to the world around me with imagination and curiosity.

So here are some questions worth considering:

• What happens when learning goes beyond assignments and asks students to take responsibility?
  
  
• Are students working for grades, or for something that matters to them?
  
  
• How do we treat student voice: as something to control, or something to amplify?

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I believe that when we empower youth to tell meaningful stories, we are not only teaching them to communicate. We are teaching them to imagine, empathise, and lead- and to create a more connected and compassionate world.

A few weeks ago, my downstairs neighbour started playing very loud drum and bass music.
Not just loud — the kind that reverberates through the walls and makes it impossible to think.

Almost instantly, a stream of stories formed in my head:

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In the past, I would have done what I usually do in situations like this: suffer in silence, feel quietly annoyed, and hope it wouldn’t happen again.

This time, though, I finally drummed up the courage to knock on his door.

What I didn’t expect

His response completely disarmed me.

He was genuinely apologetic. The music, he explained, was part of a live BBC DJ broadcast he’d been invited to perform in — a rare and exciting opportunity for him. He promised it wouldn’t happen again and said he was truly sorry. He hadn’t realised how thin the walls were.

I walked back upstairs feeling something unexpected.

Yes, my point was still valid — a warning would have been considerate.
But I also felt warmer towards him. Not because the noise was justified, but because I now understood it. His excitement, his focus, his lack of awareness — it all made sense once I stepped outside my own assumptions.

From neighbours to the world

That small interaction stayed with me, because it mirrors how we often engage with global issues.

So much of the time, we lead with judgement rather than curiosity. We construct stories from a distance, filtered through our own experiences, beliefs, and increasingly, through algorithms that reinforce what we already think.

It’s easier to consume perspectives that feel familiar than to pause and ask:

Why storytelling matters

This is exactly why storytelling — especially around global and social issues — is so powerful.

Making a film forces us to slow down and understand perspectives locally.
What do people on our doorstep think about an issue? Why don’t they all think or act like we do? What contexts, pressures, and hopes shape their choices?

Sharing a film then expands that understanding outward. When stories travel, we begin to see that perspectives aren’t just “right” or “wrong” — they are shaped by place, culture, history, and lived experience. And in reality, the number of valid perspectives on any issue is almost endless.

We’ll never master all of them. In fact, we won’t even get close.
But we can develop the habit of curiosity.

And curiosity, over time, leads to greater understanding — and often, greater kindness.
Just like it did with my neighbour.

A new opportunity: Global Perspectives Leader Credential

This belief sits at the heart of why we’re teaming up with RMIT University’s Media Program to launch the Global Perspectives Leader Credential.

The credential is grounded in the idea that creative digital storytelling can help us make sense of real human interactions across cultures — an area of deep interest for media practitioner and scholar Dr. Hannah Brasier, whose work explores the creative potential of digital media technologies to understand how people experience and interpret the world.

The opportunity for students

Here’s how it works:

• Make a short documentary film exploring a local issue, story, or perspective
• Share it at one of our global student film exchanges, connecting with peers around the world
• Earn the RMIT–Docathon Global Perspectives Certificate, recognising your leadership, curiosity, and storytelling skills

This isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about learning to ask better questions — and listening more deeply to the answers.

 Click here to see upcoming Docathon dates and join a Global Perspectives exchange

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Preparing students for the complexities of the future is key; in schools, there exists a critical yet often overlooked aspect – the pursuit of purpose. The millennial generation, now a driving force in the workforce, is known for valuing purpose over profit, willing to sacrifice higher pay for a career that aligns with their values. Are we adequately preparing our students for this pursuit of purpose? Do we address it in our curriculum?

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The Millennial Quest for Purpose

It is widely accepted that millennials seek more than just a paycheck from their careers; they crave a sense of purpose and a connection to something greater than themselves. As educators, it is crucial to recognize this shift in values and equip students with the tools they need to navigate their journey towards purpose and fulfillment.

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The Missing Piece in the Curriculum Puzzle

Despite the evident importance of purpose in shaping the lives and careers of our students, it is disconcerting to note this is often absent from the curriculum.

Why It Matters

Purpose-driven individuals are more likely to be motivated, resilient, and fulfilled in their careers. By incorporating purpose into the curriculum, we not only prepare students for the workforce but also empower them to lead more meaningful lives, especially in this age of eco-anxiety and general upheaval.

Our “MAD” approach to purpose

We, at MAD, encourage students to find purpose via the concept of "Ikigai" – a Japanese term referring to the intersection of what one loves, what one is good at, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for. It literally means “a reason for being.

MAD Courses has recently crafted and launched a microlearning course about Ikigai in partnership with Deloitte to empower an initial 10,000 students and teachers to reflect on purpose. But this got us wondering: ‍

Is purpose really inclusive? Can anyone focus on their Ikigai? What about those young people who are in lower income brackets?

We may be reluctant to talk about Ikigai with students whose economic situations are not optimal, thinking: How can we ask them to “follow their passions” or “just do what you’re good at” while they may need to focus on gainful employment in order to support themselves and/or their families.

Financial constraints may limit immediate choices, but exploring Ikigai can be transformative. Understanding Ikigai helps students to identify interests and skills and empowers them to pursue holistic fulfillment, contributing to well-being and long-term success. Loving what they do increases the likelihood of long-term success, enhancing their overall financial situation.

We recently launched the course at Foundation University in the Philippines, and gathered the insights of the first 81 students to take this course:

A huge thank you to Foundation University for having us on their campus, and to Deloitte for collaborating with us to make this course happen, as part of their global #worldclass campaign.

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We're hoping it sparks more conversations and reflections around one of the most important (and yet under-valued) careers-related questions we ever get to ask ourselves!

If you are interested in exploring your Ikigai, email us at suji@madcourses.com to apply for this course.

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MAD Courses’ innovative and interactive program, the ChangeMaker LaunchPad (CMLP), stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. We want to celebrate the people who made this program come to life. We had experts in Media, Business, Education who worked with our community partners, a range of individuals whose diverse backgrounds and expertise converge to form a powerhouse of inspiration. As we honour the architects of the ChangeMaker LaunchPad, we delve into the unique stories of these changemakers.

Business Experts:

Leading the charge are social entrepreneurs and industry experts. Sophie, our Head of Partnerships, studied international business in France, before she travelled the world to join social enterprises in Latin America and Asia. Aline, our Head of Impact, channels her corporate social responsibility (CSR) background from the banking sector into meaningful impact programming. Andrea, a former marketing professional, embarked on a profound life change, becoming a tour guide and closely collaborating with our community partners and now heads our interactive video storytelling.

Media Experts:

The visionary behind MAD, our CEO and founder Tom, was once a journalist, and inspires us all with his incredible storytelling skills. Roslynn and Roxy, our video team, are digital storytelling maestros, adept at weaving narratives that resonate with audiences globally. And finally Vimeo London brings interactivity to our videos, making the experience so much more immersive.

Education Experts:

Suji, our co-founder, leverages her extensive experience as an international educator and service coordinator. Compass Education contributes invaluable systems thinking tools, while Global Co Lab facilitates global connections through SDG hubs and the Teens Dream Challenge. Continuous feedback from partner schools, educators, and students shapes the evolution of the program.

Community Partners:

We draw inspiration from the Zambales Yangil community, whose stories provide real-life exposure to our students, and an opportunity to practice the tools they learn about before working on their own projects.

MAD Travel, led by our remarkable CEO Raf, frequently visits communities to ensure on-the-ground presence and follow up on community development initiatives.

The importance of collaboration in education cannot be overstated - we are living SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.  In uniting industry, media, education, and community experts, the CMLP creates a shared value that transcends individual contributions. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose, ensuring that stakeholders rally around a singular cause—the empowerment of future changemakers.

The journey towards a better world is not a solitary one; it is a collective endeavor. The Changemaker LaunchPad stands as a testament to the belief that when diverse talents and perspectives come together, they can catalyse transformative change.

We feel very lucky to regularly have interns working with us at MAD (Make A Difference) Courses ; we know that they learn a lot while working with us, but we also learn a TON from them! Colleen Miller was wonderful to have on board, and we are pleased to share with you her reflections on her time with us.

If you or somebody you know is interested in doing an internship with a cool social enterprise that empowers students and communities through interactive online learning, reach out to Sophie Peccaud at sophie@madcourses.com! Let’s hear from Colleen:

Hello! My name is Colleen, and I am a university student who has been volunteering with MAD Courses for the past couple of months. At university, I study International Relations, and I am very interested in helping people around the world! Being a volunteer at a social enterprise has been a wonderful journey that combines passion with purpose. At MAD, I have seen a dynamic environment where innovation meets impact which has allowed me to not only learn about other communities around the world but also makes me feel like I am contributing to society, by learning tools useful to help our world in the future. Without MAD’s deep-rooted partnerships, masterful storytelling, and engaging curriculum development, MAD courses would not be able to leave such an impressive impact on its audience and me!

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Deep-rooted partnerships

When I first started volunteering at MAD, I instantly noticed the strong connection they had with their community partners. One example of this is their connection with the community of Zambales. Seeing how MAD has not only been able to collaborate with the community but also share their stories to audiences globally is very inspiring. From not only a volunteer but from a student's perspective, working at a company that treasures deep-rooted partnerships is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to see how collaborative growth with other communities is important. The chance to be part of a workplace where partnerships are not just valued but essential to the company values opens doors to new learning experiences.

Engaging curriculum development

They have designed a comprehensive curriculum around each adventure, making learning a thrilling journey for schools, universities (especially business schools worldwide), and corporate employees. MAD’s different courses effectively engage audiences.  Looking back on other ways I have learned about sustainability or the UN SDGs, having them be taught with an engaging curriculum would have made it even more exciting and made me want to learn more. As a student, the opportunity to volunteer at a company that places emphasis on creating a captivating curriculum gives me hope that more students will be open to learning & change the world.

Masterful storytelling

Seeing their cutting-edge technology, such as interactive videos, to captivate and immerse the audience with their storytellers and community partners. As a student, storytelling videos are a captivating gateway to learning. They take me on a visual and narrative journey that brings lessons to life in ways textbooks often can't. Seeing these communities in videos and not just reading about them, meeting members of the community and even being able to ask them questions is such a new, interesting, and especially valuable way to learn. MAD’s videos weave complex ideas into relatable stories, making it easier for me to grasp challenging concepts.

My experience volunteering at MAD Courses has been such a valuable experience. Being immersed in an environment that values collaboration and shared goals, I've witnessed the power of meaningful relationships with community partners. It's within this inspiring social enterprise MAD Courses that my journey as a university student has gone beyond conventional boundaries, giving me more enjoyment for learning that goes beyond the classroom, paving the way for a future where education becomes a boundless adventure filled with discovery and impact!

While writing business reports on a 1 billion USD investment fund from the state of Qatar into the Philippines back in 2012, I found myself immersed in the bustling city life of Manila. The glitz and glamour, however, couldn't mask the nagging sense that something was amiss. Much of the colossal investment seemed to be funneled into casinos and large-scale projects, seemingly benefiting only a select few. The more I delved into this world, the less it made sense. How much of this could I turn a blind eye to? The breaking point came, and I made the life-altering decision to leave my job.

What followed was a transformative 12 months spent delving into the heart of communities through Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation across the Philippines. The contrast between the corporate world and the grassroots communities was stark, yet the stories of struggle and hope resonated deeply. These were narratives that, while not yet making a global impact, were undeniably purposeful. The decision to step away from the corporate hustle into the real stories of the Philippines was drastic, but it sparked a revelation. This journey ignited a passion for connecting with narratives of hope and transformation, leading to the birth of MAD (Make A Difference) Courses.

In an era where values alignment is a driving force behind career choices, our aim is to bridge the gap between companies and meaningful impact. In the fast-paced world of today, job changes are more frequent than ever. Many attribute this shift to a misalignment with their company's values. According to the 2023 Net Positive Employee Barometer, nearly half of employees in the UK and US express a willingness to resign if their personal values don't align with those of their company. This sentiment is not limited to seasoned professionals; the 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey by Deloitte reveals that 39% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennials globally have actively turned down job offers from employers whose values do not resonate with their own.

For those who choose to stay, there's a danger of "quiet quitting" – a slow disengagement from their roles. MAD strives to offer an alternative path, where employees can find purpose and connection within their corporate environment. While not everyone can embark on a year-long immersion like I did, MAD envisions a world where employees can engage with stories of change, resilience, and hope. By amplifying the voices of communities globally, we aim to empower companies to not only engage their workforce but also make a tangible difference.

Join us at MAD as we navigate the intersection of corporate values and genuine impact. Our solution involves connecting companies to the work and mission of local community organizations using interactive video technology, creating a choose-your-own-adventure-style learning experience. This innovative approach serves as a training and engagement tool for employees, offering a unique way to align values with impactful action. Let's make 2024 a year of purpose, connection, and transformation.