Students from the Department of Media Arts and Communication visited Nepal to document human rights issues, before exhibiting their work through a series of interactive public exhibitions in Sheffield. A short film and photo series  ‘From Valley to Fishtail’ was also screened at The Leadmill. 

Students from a range of courses produced short films, photography, interactive media, and written articles, focusing on issues such as human rights, gender equality and life in orphanages. 

The aim of the trip was to give Nepali people a voice through creative collaboration and open discussion about long-term solutions to real-world problems.

“The trip was an incredible experience for all of us and as a learning experience it was unique and thrilling”, said Aron Spall, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media Production. 

“What impressed me so much was the sense of togetherness and positivity that was nurtured amongst the students and staff. The most powerful memory for me was the encounters with the incredible people at Sertshang Orphanage Home in Kathmandu who have so much to teach us about what true compassion for young people means in the way they care for, value and respect each other.

“For the students, this trip was life-changing – something they, and we, will never forget.  Being involved in the project gave them professional and personal confidence. They gained production and teamworking skills, and crucially it broadened their understanding of the world beyond their borders, to witness issues that affect low-income countries and encourage them to engage with and advocate for progressive change as they go forward and assess their future directions.”

Whilst there they visited orphanages in Kathmandu and met with the mayor and deputy mayor of Kathmandu, Nepali filmmakers, and the executive director of Women Empowerment Nepal.

The team also provided aid to orphanages in Kathmandu and fundraised for supplies needed, such as food, stationery, school supplies and sports equipment.

Siring Adol Caur, studying MA Sports Journalism said: “It will be one of the best memories from the course for each one of us, to cherish for a lifetime. It gave me quite a journalistic view and opened my mind to different experiences that are waiting for me to be explored. Kudos to GoGlobal, that they made it possible for us, to visit such a vibrant and colourful country like Nepal.”

The trip was part-funded by our Go Global fund, which encourages students to broaden their horizons and enhance their skills and future employability by undertaking an international activity while studying.

The fund also aims to increase the participation in these activities by students from under-represented groups and from less-advantaged backgrounds.