Digital Story Telling (DST)
What is DST?
Digital Storytelling (DST) is a creative and participatory method that helps people reflect on and share meaningful life experiences through short, personal videos. Guided by trained facilitators, participants transform memories and insights into 3–5 minute digital stories using voice, images, and music.
DST can be used for many purposes including advocacy, research, education, and therapy. DST amplifies individual voices, especially from marginalized or misunderstood groups, by conveying powerful human experiences and emotions. The process fosters reflection, healing, and understanding, while the finished stories inspire dialogue and social change
DST Documentary
Sharing and Humanising Lived Experiences
Our DST Hub
The Digital Storytelling (DST) Hub is a collaborative initiative led by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda, together with the University of Calgary and Common Language in Canada. Since 2019, our program has helped individuals create powerful 3–5 minute digital stories that amplify diverse voices and experiences, guided by research and community priorities. We have facilitated creation of over 100 impactful short films shared through HCU to engage communities, policymakers, health leaders and the general public raising awareness of challenging health and social topics.
A dedicated ‘DST Hub’ at MUST provides professional storytelling services across Uganda and beyond. Equipped with a production studio and trained facilitators, the hub has supported national initiatives—including 14 regional stories with Uganda’s Ministry of Health on adolescent sexual and reproductive health—and has mentored emerging DST programs in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi.
HAY!
A Feel of Worth Living
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Her Background Shapes Her Passion: This is the digital story of a dedicated health worker whose passion for supporting adolescents and young people was ignited by the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative (HAY!). Inspired by the initiative, she committed herself to empowering young people in her community to adopt healthy lifestyles and take control of their well-being. Her tireless efforts led to the formation of a vibrant, young people-led club, where young people now meet regularly to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
A Changed Life
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From struggle to strength: A digital story of a male adolescent who benefited from the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative (HAY!) and transformed from a school dropout, alcoholic, and drug addict to a healthy, responsible, and productive young person. With support from a community health worker, he returned to school and changed his life. He now inspires and encourages fellow young people to live safe, healthy, and responsible lifestyles in their communities.
The Unstoppable Zeal
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Empowered by HAY! A digital story of a school nurse who was empowered by the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative (HAY!) to champion improved health care service delivery in her school. Her efforts led to the establishment of a fully equipped sickbay where learners now receive treatment, counselling, and support. The sickbay has become a safe space where learners freely share their health and social challenges, leading to improved well-being and transformation.
Second Chance
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Unexpected second change: This is the story of a teenage girl who became pregnant but was given a rare second chance to stay in school. With support from the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative, her school chose to support pregnant students instead of pushing them out. Thanks to this support, she beat the odds and became the top-performing female student in the national exams—a powerful story of resilience and hope.
Passion Not Money
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Inspired by HAY! This is the story of a secondary school transformed by Healthy Adolescents and Young People (HAY!) Initiative. The Head Teacher shares how he was inspired to prioritize student well-being. Despite limited funding, he rallied the community to support improved health services and student care. His story shows that strong leadership, passion, and teamwork can drive real change, even with minimal resources
Doing Things Differently
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Sparked by the HAY! Initiative: This is the digital story of a Head Teacher from a rural secondary school who was inspired by the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative (HAY!) to create a safe, supportive, and healthy learning environment. His leadership shifted the focus beyond academics to prioritize students’ overall well-being. He championed the implementation of the government’s Stay in School policy, ensuring that pregnant girls are supported rather than excluded. This holistic approach has empowered students to thrive both in and out of the classroom, fostering a school culture that values health, inclusion, and personal development
Game Changer
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Make health services truly youth-friendly: A digital story of a health worker who was motivated by the Healthy Adolescents and Young People Initiative (HAY!) to transform adolescent and young people’s health care services at a community health facility. She championed community engagement and mobilized young people, while reorienting health services to meet their specific needs. Her actions have empowered many young people to access young people-friendly services and take charge of their health and well-being.
MOH Adolescent Health
A Silent Killer
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Gone Too Soon: A Life Lost to Cervical Cancer — A Powerful Call to Action. She died too young, taken by a disease that could have been prevented. Her story is a painful reminder of the lives still at risk. It's a call to all women: get screened, get vaccinated, and speak out. Together, we can break the silence and save lives.
A Changed Life
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From Risk to Rise: The Inspiring Journey of a Young Man Who Transformed His Life. Once on a path of self-destruction, this young man found hope through community and peer support. With their help, he turned his life around, rising from a wasted future to one filled with health, responsibility, and purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that change is possible when support meets determination.
Invisible Scar
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From Silence to Strength: A Story of Struggle, Survival, and the Power of parental love. Haunted by early childhood trauma, lack of parental love and emptiness, one young man battled silently with pain and suicidal thoughts. But when his mother finally came back to his life at a point when he had decided to end his life, everything changed. His story is a powerful journey from darkness to hope—showing that with positive parental love, healing is possible.
HCU
The Power of Reflection
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This is the story of a health worker who changed after seeing a child die because of a colleague’s mistake. The pain of that moment pushed him to start a journey of personal and team reflection. His actions led to real changes in attitude and practice. This story reminds us how self-awareness and teamwork can improve care and save lives.
Serving in the COVID-19 Environment
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This story follows a dedicated health worker in a low-income country who volunteers in a COVID-19 isolation unit. Even though her community and family treat her with fear and discrimination, she chooses compassion over fear. Her story shows the power of selfless service and strength during tough times.
Never Give Up
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This is the story of a 14-year-old girl who became pregnant while still in primary school. Her experience shows how vulnerable young adolescents can be in teacher-student relationships and early pregnancy. The story highlights the emotional impact of family struggles, community judgment, and how health workers treat teenage mothers. But at its core, it’s about resilience, safe delivery, strong family support, and her brave return to school.
A woman I wanted to be
Unspoken Pain
A Health Dream Made Possible
Together We Can Raise a Child
Hockey My Identity
Taremwa Ivan's Story
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This is the story of a young girl who stood up against strong cultural traditions that promote early marriage instead of education. Even under heavy pressure, she stayed determined and didn’t give up on her dream of going to school. Her journey shows the strength and focusses it takes to break through gender and cultural barriers. It’s a powerful example of hope and empowerment for girls everywhere.
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This is the story of a woman who was sexually assaulted by her schoolteacher when she was 16 years old. As an orphan raised by relatives, she didn’t feel close to anyone and kept the abuse to herself until she was 40. She now shares her story to raise awareness about the silent pain many young people carry and to highlight the need for safe spaces where they can speak openly about their challenges.
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This story reveals the harsh realities behind high rates of maternal, infant, and child deaths caused by difficulties in accessing essential MNCH services. It shows how social barriers—like gender-based decision-making, poor transportation, and lack of birth preparation—put mothers at risk. But at its heart, the story highlights how communities working together can bring change and achieve the shared goal of healthier families.
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This is the story of a devoted health worker who joined forces with local leaders and community members to save the life of an abandoned newborn. It showcases the power of collective action and the extraordinary impact of a health worker willing to go beyond the call of duty—mobilizing local resources and rallying the community to save a life.
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This story explores the deep-rooted gender norms in communities that discourage adolescent girls from playing sports like hockey. At its center is a determined young girl who defies expectations and overcomes every setback to become a successful hockey player. Through the game, she gains confidence, builds self-esteem, and stays motivated to remain in school and pursue her dreams.
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This is the story of a young researcher whose career changed thanks to MicroResearch training and mentorship. He explains how the program built his confidence, improved his skills, and guided him to become a community-focused, evidence-based problem solver. His story shows how MicroResearch can shape the future of young researchers and the difference they can make in their careers and communities.