Educational game Shkorey launched

At Friesland College, the educational game Shkorey was launched Feb. 16. The game offers Eritrean youth information about relationships, sexuality and birth care in the Netherlands. During the launch, 8D – responsible for the game concept and technical realization – set enthusiastic young people to work with the game, which can be played in both Dutch and Tigrinya. There were workshops for caregivers to learn how the game can be used in their work with Eritrean clients. The first reactions are positive: ‘Eritrean youth are sometimes ashamed to ask certain questions; the game offers a safe environment to still find the right information and help,’ says Muna Mohamed, cultural mediator in Leeuwarden.

Breaking taboos by creating together

An important pillar of Shkorey is the dialogue with Eritrean youth in Leeuwarden. They participated in all stages of the game, from preliminary research to ‘gameplay’ and the appearance of the characters. A long but valuable road to a game that can now be used by Eritreans and healthcare professionals throughout the Netherlands. ‘Co-creation with the target group is often taboo-breaking in itself,’ says Giel Hekkert, from 8D closely involved in the co-creation process. ‘If you start thinking together about the stories that come up in the game, that already produces all kinds of open, unconstrained discussions about the subject that is central to the game. In this case sexuality, relationships and how to make choices that suit you.’

‘You have to learn this at a young age’

One of the Eritrean youth who contributed greatly is Daniel Tuem (24), director and scriptwriter with Shkorey’s youth team. For a year, he worked every Sunday with the team on short, educational films that are featured in the game, but can also be used separately as educational materials. He did this in addition to his school obligations and regular work. Daniel: “It required a lot of perseverance, but I felt I had to do this. Eritrean youth do not talk about sexuality, especially not boys and girls among themselves. While you should actually learn about this at a young age. I am proud of the end result, but I am also sorry that it is only there now. Many young people did not know enough about safe sex and where to go if you need help.

Tool in the conversation

In a concluding talk show – accompanied by Saron Araya in Dutch and Tigrinya – the experiences of young people, care professionals and all organizations involved come together once more. Characteristic for the way in which initiator Geertje Postma has set up and guided the project: together, with a lot of attention for building bridges between newcomers, (care) practice, policy, research and all organizations in these fields. Filmmaker Daniel Tuem expresses his hope that the game and the films will mean a lot to both young people and care providers. There seems to be no doubt about that among the caregivers on stage: ‘Shkorey is a great tool in the conversation. Already.’

Free download

Shkorey is free to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. As a player, you help a main character make choices in difficult situations related to relationships, sexuality and pregnancy. Quiz questions test your knowledge of the topics, either with friends or alone. The accompanying social map refers players to caregivers who can offer more information on the topics covered. Currently, care organizations from the Leeuwarden region are connected. A national campaign to expand the social map to include care organizations throughout the Netherlands will follow soon. More information about Shkorey can be found on the website or on the project page.

Shkorey is part of the national program and Umbrella Learning Network‘Unintended Pregnancy and Vulnerable (Young) Parenthood‘ and is funded by ZonMw. The consortium consists of Municipality of Leeuwarden, GGD Fryslân, PincKlouds, Amaryllis, KraamZus, Obstetrics Practice Daughter & Zn and Lemat Foundation. Collaboration partners include 8D, Leti Arts, Rutgers Foundation, BOAProductions, and several ISKs and ROCs. Read more at www.shkorey.nl

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