Piloting a Game Jam in Nigeria to Support Empathy and Compassion

TL;DR

This paper reports on a pilot game jam in Nigeria aimed at fostering empathy and compassion among students from diverse ethnic backgrounds through identity exploration and perspective-taking activities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of using game jams in Nigerian schools to promote empathy across ethnic groups, with initial positive results.

Findings

Increased empathy and perspective-taking among participants

Successful engagement of diverse ethnic groups in game creation

Positive feedback on the educational impact of the game jam

Abstract

While games may help to support skills practice and attitudinal change, the game creation process itself may also be effective in enhancing empathy and compassion for other people. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages amid its 200 million people. We aim to enhance perspective-taking, empathy, and compassion across different ethnic groups using game jams in public schools in Nigeria. In 2021, we piloted a game jam focused on identity exploration and perspective-taking for students ages 12 to 20. Initial results and next steps are shared.