As an individual working in the communications space, I have often felt the need to expand my base to improve my skills and build engaging content. aikyam’s two-day ‘Tools for Storytelling Workshop’ was just the right opportunity.
With a perfect balance of theory and practice, the workshop focused on crucial technical and storytelling aspects, using Ghost. We started off with the basics of stakeholder engagement and tried to understand the interests and concerns of various stakeholders. With the goals of building relationships, understanding different perspectives, addressing concerns, and collaborating, engaging with stakeholders is at the heart of decision-making, helping ensure the success of a project or an initiative and manage potential risks.
The sessions were well-structured and involved activities that encouraged team-building and creative problem-solving. Although our cohort at the workshop might have been the smallest (with just 2 of us attending), we proved to be a solid team! We worked together on real-world challenges and brainstormed together to come up with unique solutions. The best part? These activities actually help bridge the gap between learning and doing, so you walk away with not just new skills but also a deeper appreciation for collaborative work.
We also learnt the power of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and how we could leverage it to create strong content with a broad reach. It was interesting to learn how these tools, like Plausible, are rooted in community-driven approaches and can foster collaborative efforts, creativity, and knowledge sharing. These tools can open up many possibilities and empower individuals, even without a technical background, to manage information better and create presentable content.
Whether you work on your own or are part of a larger team, these tools can give you the freedom to translate your vision into actual impact.
Aside from the workshop, I want to especially mention aikyam’s residential space, which is a haven for individuals to live, learn, and create. It provides a perfect space for interacting with fellow residents, brainstorming, and bonding. A special shout-out to Jasentha for whipping up the most amazing dishes every day and for her warmth and love!
Needless to say, it was a home away from home, and so much more.
I am truly grateful to the facilitators Sumi Thomas, Jinso Raj, and Abhiram for taking such an interactive approach and making this a memorable experience. I look forward to continuing my journey with aikyam and implementing my learnings. It’s safe to say that this workshop wasn’t just about classroom learning—it was about building connections, honing skills, and seeing the value of teamwork. I thank the aikyam team for this initiative and hope that more and more individuals like me can experience this journey firsthand!
Shayantani is Senior Communications Officer at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, Bengaluru. She applied for the residency through a partnership between Rainmatter Foundation and OASIS.
Megha
