Using immersive storytelling as a tool for developing compassion and cultural capital

Please note, the author of this article is Director of Engagement at Lyfta, the subscription-based resource for schools described in this case study.  We live in an increasingly connected world. Many of our children are growing up exposed to greater diversity than ever before, through direct contact with people around them, as well as via the various media channels with which they interact daily. Many of our inner-city schools boast over 30 different spoken languages, making daily life a rich tapestry of experience, culture, religion and language (von Ahn et al., 2010). However, our world also reflects a society that is increasingly polarised, affected by ‘popularist’ messages of intolerance, suspicion and stereotyping. It seems that it is not enough to live side by side. We need to engage compassionately with the human experience of our fellow citizens if we are to be able to find creative and humane solutions to the problems in the world. The case studies that follows looks a