UNICEF launched a new initiative using online gaming to challenge misconceptions about refugee and migrant children and showcase their potential, skills, and creativity. ‘Reimagine the world like a gamer’ features a short film and digital mini-game with refugee and migrant children cast as the heroes. Viewers and gamers are pushed to look beyond the circumstances and vulnerabilities of these children to see their potential and help them reach their goals.
The film depicts the real-life stories of Nora, Sama, and Pouya – three refugee and migrant children from Somalia, Egypt, and Afghanistan respectively – now living in Greece who shares their dreams of becoming a doctor, an author, and a pilot. The film simulates a video game, positioning the children as the game’s heroes and the audience as the game player.
“Games and gaming are an outlet for children and young people with otherwise limited integration and play options,” said Gary Stahl, UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships. “Games can be a social equalizer, allowing children and adolescents of diverse backgrounds to focus on what makes them similar, rather than different. Games create a fun and comfortable environment to start learning acceptance.”
The initiative is part of UNICEF’s Reimagine campaign.
