Storytelling to Influence Evidence-Based Policymaking: Bar ama Baro Somalia's Accelerated Quality Learning Program

Abstract Information: Through the lens of the Somali program Bar ama Baro, this presentation explores how weaving narratives into the evaluation process can influence evidence-based policymaking. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to impact policymaking by making complex issues more relatable, accessible, and emotionally resonant for decision-makers and stakeholders. Through compelling narratives, stories can humanize data and statistics gathered from research and evaluation – highlighting the real-life experiences and challenges individuals and communities face. Storytelling also emphasizes key themes and trends obscured by quantitative data, spotlighting critical issues that warrant attention and action. By incorporating the stories of the people engaged in the research on the ground into the policymaking process, decision-makers can develop more inclusive, responsive, and evidence-based policies that address the needs of their constituents. Moreover, stories can highlight traditional historical, cultural, and national values – relating tradition to modern-day policymaking. These approaches can enable policymakers to understand the implications of their decisions better, fostering empathy and encouraging consideration of the broader context and diverse perspectives when crafting policies. This presentation reflects on the role of storytelling in policymaking through the lens of an evaluation project conducted in Somalia. Storytelling is deeply rooted in Somalia's rich heritage of oral tradition. Renowned for their poetic prowess, the country is often called a "nation of poets," demonstrating storytelling's critical role in their society. One of the most significant aspects of their poetic storytelling is its function as a communication, education, and social cohesion tool. Beyond being an art form, storytelling in Somali culture serves a range of political, social, and cultural purposes. Historically, Somali poets use their storytelling abilities to defend their rights and act as a spokesperson for the needs of their community. Storytelling can be an indispensable instrument for fostering meaningful policy change and promoting a more equitable and effective policy landscape. This presentation will describe the role of storytelling in educational policymaking using the evaluation of an accelerated learning program in Somalia as a case study.

Relevance Statement: Somali oral traditions carry valuable lessons and insights, often addressing the complexities of human behavior, societal dynamics, and the natural environment. The Somali proverb "Cilmiga haddaad u dhigato, dhakhso ayuu kuugu jira" translates to "If you learn something, it is at your fingertips." This proverb highlights the importance of education, emphasizing that knowledge acquired through learning is readily accessible and empowers individuals to make informed decisions. This proverb demonstrates the value placed on knowledge and the pursuit of education in Somali society. Thus, it is appropriate to utilize storytelling tools and techniques to influence educational policy and practice in the Somali context. This presentation provides insights from the evaluation of an accelerated basic education program in Somalia that combines traditional quantitative methodologies with tools that leverage the country's oral traditions to weave rigorous stories that can inform educational policy to meet the needs of diverse members of the population. Somalia's oral tradition demonstrates the importance of knowledge and learning in Somali culture; therefore, this presentation is valuable for all those engaged at all levels of the research and evaluation process, including those who design, conduct, and translate research. Educators, researchers and evaluators, non-governmental organization (NOG) representatives, international development professionals, and policymakers passionate about improving the educational situation in lower- and middle-income countries would be interested in this presentation.