By Iminza Keboge
Published December 10, 2020
Facebook has launched a campaign that showcases the stories of ordinary people in Kenya using creativity and innovation to inspire their communities.
In collaboration with Creatives Garage, a Nairobi-based social enterprise that works with creative people, Facebook says it is implementing the initiative known as #RealpeopleRealstories with the aims of supporting the ‘creative industry in Kenya by providing a platform where they can amplify their work and inspire others’.
Featuring short documentaries debuted on Facebook, the #RealpeopleRealstories campaign showcases the stories of 10 Realpeople, hosted on RealPeople.creativesgarage.org, an interactive microsite where people can learn more about the campaign.
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Facebook says it will also offer webinars for those in the creativity industry, on audience engagement best practices, and how to monetize content on Facebook.
“At Facebook, we support and invest in various communities across the continent. One of our key roles is investing and supporting African youth with diverse creative talent,” says Janet Kemboi, Facebook’s Communications Manager for Eastern Africa. “#RealpeopleRealstories aims to encourage people to share their experiences and motivate others to find solutions to everyday challenges. We are delighted to work with Creatives Garage to amplify the untold stories of ordinary people who are inspiring their communities through their work.”
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Liz Kilili, Founder and Managing Director of Creatives Garage, says the partnership will help equip those in the creative industry in Kenya with the right skills to monetise their content.
“Facebook tools have been beneficial for creative and innovative talent across Africa. Now more than ever, creatives need innovative ways to share content that could provide sustainable income streams,” Kilili says. “While working on the #RealpeopleRealstories campaign, we pulled together a diverse selection of people from across the creative industry in Kenya. We’re very excited that our team of creators have been given the chance to tell these ten powerful stories. Creatives Garage is looking forward to future partnerships that will benefit the creative industry at large.”
Facebook, that says #RealpeopleRealstories is part of its efforts in highlighting the successes of people using its platforms, says the campaign runs through December 16, 2020 also ‘highlights how Facebook and Instagram help people stay connected, express themselves, and pursue goals that help build their communities’.
