Step inside the story of the pandemic. We used a participatory approach to create an animated VR video, allowing students to experience the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact firsthand

Immersive technology, encompassing both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), is fundamentally reshaping global interactions with information, media, and social connections. By creating deeply engaging digital environments, this powerful technology enables users to experience and learn in revolutionary ways. Its adoption is widespread in regions like Europe and the USA, particularly for advanced applications such as medical training, where students practice complex procedures in a completely risk-free, virtual setting.

However, the use of VR for educational content delivery remains limited across Africa. This project aimed to bridge that gap by leveraging the power and versatility of VR technology. We collaborated directly with students in rural Kilifi County, Kenya, to co-create immersive content that highlights the local challenges and profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through initial discussions assessing their awareness, we produced an informative and engaging animated VR video. This immersive experience detailed the pandemic's effects, the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines, the science behind vaccines, and why widespread vaccination was essential. A key focus was educating students on identifying reliable sources of health information, a vital skill during a period overwhelmed by dangerous disinformation and misinformation, thereby promoting informed health behaviour.

Acknowledgement: this project was made possible through a grant from NGS https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/.