Open Data Platform
Supporting community-led storytelling, research, and heritage preservation in Dzaleka Refugee Camp
Our open data platform is designed to support community-led storytelling, research, and heritage preservation in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Built with flexibility and transparency in mind, it allows us to collect, manage, and visualise cultural, social, and historical data that reflect life in Dzaleka.
This platform is central to our mission: to make Dzaleka's narratives accessible, secure, and community-owned — not hidden in private archives or scattered across the internet.
Platform Components
Collection
We collect data in two core ways:
Story-Based Inputs
Oral histories, photos, documents, and reflections submitted by residents and researchers.
Event-Based Inputs
Cultural events, community projects, and notable moments, documented consistently using shared formats for easy comparison.
News Stories & Announcements
Community-led journalism, camp updates, and local news written by contributors within or connected to Dzaleka. These stories capture the pulse of everyday life and offer timely insight into issues affecting the community.
Aggregation
All collected content is stored in a central, secure, and searchable database. This allows for structured archiving, reliable referencing, and long-term preservation of Dzaleka's cultural memory.
Visualisation
Our platform presents data through maps, timelines, and thematic galleries — making it easier for researchers, community members, and the public to explore Dzaleka's past and present through visuals and insights.
Guiding Principles
Evidence-Informed Storytelling
We believe data should support local narratives, not distort them. Our platform makes information accessible so that content creators, researchers, and educators can make informed, grounded decisions about how to tell Dzaleka's story.
Ethical Data Stewardship
We handle all data with care. Consent, privacy, and clarity are central to how we collect and publish stories. Contributors know how their information will be used — and we ensure it's done with dignity and respect.
Trust and Accountability
We are building a platform where transparency is non-negotiable. Every dataset, story, or record we publish is part of a bigger commitment to accuracy, representation, and public trust in digital heritage.
Community of Practice
Dzaleka Online Services is shaped by the people who contribute to it. We work hand-in-hand with writers, archivists, community leaders, and youth to ensure the platform reflects the lived experiences of Dzaleka. Active use and feedback help us improve the platform, identify gaps, and stay responsive to community needs.