# Bridging the Gap or Overshadowing Voices? Exploring AI in Refugee Education

In an era where technology continues to redefine the ways we connect, learn, and solve problems, a recent United Nations initiative attempted to leverage artificial intelligence to highlight refugee issues. This experiment, conducted by a class at the United Nations University Center for Policy Research, resulted in the creation of two AI avatars: Amina and Abdalla. But as we navigate this intersection of technology and humanitarian efforts, it’s essential to ask ourselves: Are we opening new paths for empathy and understanding, or are we inadvertently sidelining the very voices we seek to amplify?

## The Experiment: A Step into AI-Driven Advocacy

The project, involving Columbia professor Eduardo Albrecht and his students, sought to explore whether technology could play a role in conveying the complex narratives of refugees. Amina represents a woman who fled Sudan to live in a refugee camp in Chad, while Abdalla embodies a soldier with the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group in Sudan. The intention was for users to interact with these avatars online, engaging with their stories in a controlled, digital environment.

– **The Purpose**: The avatars were designed to educate and potentially appeal to donors, demonstrating how personal stories might be communicated through AI.
– **The Process**: The research didn’t propose AI avatars as an ultimate solution but rather explored the viability of such technology in storytelling and advocacy.

## The Reaction: Mixed Responses

Despite the innovative concept, the experiment faced mixed reactions.

Many workshop participants expressed skepticism, highlighting critical concerns:
– **Authenticity**: There was apprehension about whether AI can accurately represent the nuances of real-life experiences.
– **Autonomy**: Critics argued that using AI avatars might undermine the ability of refugees to speak for themselves, suggesting a paternalistic approach.

“Refugees are capable of expressing themselves in real life,” was a sentiment echoed by many, emphasizing that while technology can aid storytelling, it should not replace authentic voices.

## Learning from the Experiment

The creation and reception of Amina and Abdalla provides valuable insights into the challenges of integrating AI into humanitarian advocacy:

### 1. **The Role of Technology in Storytelling**

AI has the potential to reshape how we engage with and understand complex issues:
– **Pros**: Avatars like Amina and Abdalla can serve as educational tools, presenting scenarios that might otherwise go overlooked.
– **Cons**: They risk standardizing and simplifying diverse experiences.

### 2. **Ethical Considerations**

When implementing AI in sensitive areas such as refugee advocacy:
– **Subjectivity vs. Objectivity**: Human experiences, particularly those as profound as displacement, carry subjective weight that AI struggles to capture.
– **Empowerment vs. Control**: It is crucial that technology empowers individuals rather than taking autonomy away from them.

### 3. **Efficacy and Engagement**

To truly engage donors and the public while maintaining respect for the individuals at the heart of these stories, future projects must navigate:
– **Personalization**: Ensuring that each narrative reflects the unique circumstances of real refugees.
– **Collaboration**: Working closely with affected communities to co-create narratives.

## Looking Forward: How Can We Foster Genuine Engagement?

This initiative by the UN, while imperfect, opens a discussion on the responsible use of AI in advocacy. As we ponder the role of technology in amplifying marginalized voices, we must ask ourselves the following:

– **How can we ensure that AI serves as an ally rather than a replacement in storytelling?**
– **What steps must we take to validate and support the direct participation of refugees in their advocacy?**

These questions encourage us to remain critical yet hopeful about technology’s potential to act as a conduit for understanding rather than a barrier.

As we move forward, it is essential to remember that while technology evolves, the core of our humanitarian efforts should remain rooted in respect, dignity, and the unwavering support of those whose stories we aim to elevate. By asking the right questions and remaining open to learning, we can strive to build a future where technology and humanity are seamlessly intertwined in the pursuit of justice and empathy.